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http://www.arcliive.org/details/firstcallOOempe 


By  Arthur  Guy  Empey 


Over  the  Top 
First  Call 


The  Author  Selling  Liberty  Bonds  on  the  Famous  Boston  Common. 


FIRST    CALL 


GUIDE   POSTS  TO   BERLIN 


BY 


ARTHUR    GUY    EMPEY 


AUTHOR  OF  "OVER  THE  TOP" 


fi^^T^H^ 


WITH  64  ILLUSTRATIONS 


G.  P.  PUTNAM'S  SONS 

NEW   YORK    AND  LONDON 

XTbe  *B<nicherbocf;cr  press 

1918 


>> 


Copyright,  igrS 

BY 

ARTHUR    GU"      EMPEY 


Ubc  fimfcfccrbocfcer  press,  "Wew  IBorS 


ROBERT  GORDON  ANDERSON 

THE    KIND   OF    MAN    YOU     WOULD     SELECT   TO    GO     WITH    YOU   ON 

A     TRENCH     RAID,     KNC^WING     THAT     HE      WOULD     BE 

"there"    in    A    PINCH,    IN    OTHER    WORDS 

A     "  REGULAR    FELLOW  " 


11 


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UkO>     Jx.a_XXXjl_      o^-A      O-j-u-JLA      ^'3iJK3r    -a^-Jcp     cx^^-^cA     "tixJkA^ 


CONTENTS 


I. — Americans  All   . 

II. — To  THE  Mothers 

III. — "Horse        Soldier,"        "Wagon 
Soldier,"  OR  "Doughboy?" 

IV. — The  Honor  of  Khaki 

V. — "You're    in    the    Army   Now. 

— Old  Song 

VI. — Old  Soldier  and  Rookie 
VII. — Watch  your  Step 
VIII.  — B  ugle  Calls  and  Rations    . 
IX. — "Barndooks"  and  "Hikes  " 
X. — "Sentry  Go "  and  Cold  Steel 
XI. — "What  SHALL  I  send  Him?"  . 
XII. — "Smokes" 
XIII. — "All  Aboard"    . 
XIV. — Backing  up  the  Boy 


I 

5 

i6 

32 

38 

48 

58 

^^3 
73 
81 
92 
98 
II I 
118 


VI 


Contents 


XV.- 

— "PoiLU     AND     Tommy:     Meet 

Sammy"  .... 

125 

XVI.- 

—On  Landing  in  France 

130 

XVII.- 

—Spies            .... 

139 

XVIII.- 

—"Shirt-hunts"     . 

.     149 

XIX.- 

—Rations  in  France     . 

154 

XX.- 

—"The  Sky-fighters"  . 

161 

XXI. 

—The  Guns  .... 

.     170 

XXII.- 

—Trenches  and  Rest  Billets 

.     181 

XXIIL- 

—From  my  Trench  Note  Book 

189 

XXIV.- 

—Periscopes  and  "Sentry Go " 

205 

XXV.- 

—Machine  Guns  and  Snipers 

214 

XXVI.- 

—In  No  Man's  Land    . 

227 

XXVIL- 

—Bombing     .... 

235 

CXVIII.- 

—Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  . 

243 

XXIX.- 

—The  Attack 

257 

XXX.- 

—Trench  Raids     . 

266 

XXXI.- 

—The  Wounded    . 

286 

Contents  vii 


CHAPTER 


PAGE 


XXXIL— "Gone  West"    .         .         .         .300 

XXXIIL— "Thank  God!    The   Stretcher- 
bearers"          ....  309 

In  Closing 319 

APPENDIX 

Sammy's  "Pinch"  Dictionary     .         .         .  341 

American  Army  Terms         ....  348 

General  Service  Code          ....  366 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

The  Author  Selling  Liberty  Bonds  on 

THE  Famous  Boston  Common         Frontispiece 

A  Message  to  Sammy     ....  iv 

Flags  of  the  Civilized  Nations,  and  of 

THE  Barbarians  ....  4 

Military  Decorations  ....         34-35 

Military  Decorations   ....         36-37 

English  Identification  Disc  .  .  39 

The  Author  Serving  in  Texas  with  iith 

U.  S.  Cavalry,  191  i  ....  52 

National    Guardsmen     Wearing    Com- 
plete Outfit     .....  53 

German   Submarine    Mine-Layer,    Cap- 
tured by  the  British         .         ,         .  118 

British  Submarine,  D-8  .  .  .  119 

Cap    Devices    and    Badges — British 

Army 128-129 


X  Illustrations 

PAGE 

Steel  Helmet  or  "Tin  Hat"           .          .  135 

Authority  Issued  by  Divisional  Intelli- 
gence   Dept.    to    Special    Military 

Police      ......  146 

British  Airmen      .....  162 

German  Dirigible  Returning  to  Pots- 
dam AFTER  ReCONNOITERING  TrIP           .  I63 

At  U.  S.  Aviation  Training  Camp  .         .  163 

Observation  Post  Built  on  Trees  by 

British  Troops          ....  166 

British  Anti-Aircraft  Guns           .         .  167 

German  Bomb-Dropping  Taube      .         .  168 

French  Sausage  Balloon  Rising  from 

Immense  Mine-Crater       .         .         .  168 

French  Military  Dirigible  .          .          .  169 

Captured   German  Fokker  on   Exhibi- 
tion IN  Paris     .....  169 

Camouflage  Protecting  Italian  Line  of 

•     Communication          .         .         .         .  172 

Using  A  Cow  for  Camouflage         .         .  173 

Austrian  Scoda  Gun      .          .          .         .  174 

Krupp  Siege  Mortar     .         .         .         .  174 


Illustrations  xi 

PAGE 

The   Famous   "French   Seventy-Five," 
OFTEN    Called    "The    Savior    of 

France  "           .....  175 

British  Howitzer           .         .         .         .  175 

Diagram  of  Fire,  Support,  and  Communi- 
cation Trenches       .         .         .         .  182 

Periscopes     ......  207 

The  Lewis  Gun — in  Action    .         .         .  216 

Lewis  Gun     .         .         .         .         .         .  216 

Motorcycle  Equipped  with  Lewis  Gun  217 

A    Gun     Converted     into    a     Grenade 

Thrower           .....  240 

An  Aero  Torpedo  (In  Argonne  Sector)     .  241 

A  Flame-Thrower          ....  254 

A  Gas  Helmet        .....  255 

Pass   Issued  to  Wounded  Soldiers  at 

Devonport  Military  Hospital           .  295 

Cap  Devices  U.  S.  Army  and  Navy          .  321 


Xll 


Illustrations 


PAGE 

Insignia,  U.  S.  Army       ....  322 

Cap  and  Collar  Devices  U.  S.  Army       .  323 

Marksmanship  Badges,  U.  S.  Army          .  324 

Insignia,  U.  S.  Navy       ....  325 

Collar  Devices,  U.  S.  Navy  .          .          .  326 

Insignia,  U.  S.  Navy       ....  327 

Insignia,  U.  S.  Army       ....  328 

Insignia,  U.  S.  Navy       ....  329 

Insignia  and  Devices,  French  Army       .  330 

Insignia  and  Devices,  British  Army       ,  331 

Insignia,  British  Army            .          .          ,  33:> 

Insignia  and  Devices,  Belgian  Army      .  333 

Insignia  and  Devices,  Italian  Army       .  334 

Insignia  and  Devices,  Russian  Army      .  335 

Insignia,  Austrian  Army        .         .         .  336 

Insignia,  German  Army           .          .          .  337 
Semaphore  Code,  U.  S.  Army.         .         .     368-369 


FIRST    CALL 
GUIDE    POSTS    TO    BERLIN 


First  Call 

CHAPTER  I 

AMERICANS   ALL 

'T^HE  United  States  is  at  war.  To  many  of  us, 
as  yet,  the  above  fact  carries  no  significance; 
it  is  merely  accepted  as  something  disagreeable 
which  cannot  be  avoided.  In  this  immense  and 
wonderfully  rich  country  of  ours  it  is  hard  for 
the  people  to  realize  that  they  have  entered  the 
greatest  conflict  in  history — the  bloodiest,  the 
crudest  of  them  all. 

The  actual  scene  of  fighting  is  too  far  away;  all 
about  them  is  industry  and  prosperity.  Recruit- 
ing posters  and  men  in  uniform  seem  strangely 
out  of  place.  It  is  hard  to  reconcile  the  two. 
To  bring  war  home  to  the  individual,  to  make 
him  realize  its  awfulness,   that  individual  must 


2  First  Call 

siiffer;  he  must  see  war,  must  live  war,  must 
brecthe  war. 

This  war  is  really  not  so  far  away,  although 
thousands  of  miles  separate  us  from  the  scene  of 
armies  tearing  and  rending  at  each  other's  vitals. 
The  distance  is  bridged  in  a  few  minutes  by  the 
cable  and  telegraph  conveying  the  news  that  a 
loved  one  has  fallen  on  the  field  of  battle.  When 
the  casualty  lists  begin  to  appear,  then,  and  not 
until  then,  will  the  people  as  a  whole  fully  realize 
what  this  war  means  to  them.  It  took  England 
more  than  a  year  to  awake  to  the  seriousness  and 
magnitude  of  the  task  before  her.  It  must  not 
take  America  that  long.  To  win  this  war  every 
American  must  do  his  and  her  share  to  help,  and 
start  right  now,  because  delay  means  the  useless 
sacrifice  of  thousands  of  lives  of  our  best  manhood. 

We  are  not  fighting  an  honorable  enemy;  we 
are  fighting  murderers  and  pirates,  and  the  sooner 
they  are  stamped  out  the  safer  it  will  be  for 
civilization. 

We  are  at  war  with  Germany,  not  only  Prussian- 
ism  and  militarism,  but  with  the  German  people 
and  everything  connected  with  Germany.  The 
trenches  are  manned  by  the  German  people; 
Prussianism  and  militarism  are  supported  by  the 


Americans  All  3 

German  people;  German  people  are  sinking  our 
ships,  killing  our  boys,  and  bombing  our  hospitals. 
Is  Uncle  Sam  going  to  sit  idly  by  while  this  is 
going  on?  Not  likely,  it's  against  the  old  boy's 
nature.     So  up  and  at  them,  America! 

The  German  in  the  trenches  can  be  handled  by 
our  boys  at  the  front,  but  what  about  the  German 
at  home  here  in  the  United  States?  The  one  who 
stabs  us  in  the  back!  Are  we  going  to  let  these 
snakes  hinder  and  undermine  our  armies  at  the 
front  or  are  we  going  to  safeguard  our  boys  and 
exterminate  the  pests? 

Although  we  are  fighting  Germany,  German 
language  newspapers  are  being  published  all 
about  us. 

The  Germans  in  the  United  States,  whether 
naturalized  or  not,  who  are  unwilling  to  renounce 
their  Fatherland  and  who  are  unwilling  to  fight 
this  Fatherland  with  rifle  and  bayonet,  are  our 
enemies  and  should  be  interned  immediately. 

We  have  many  men  who  hold  high  offices  of 
trust  who  are  nothing  more  or  less  than  pro- 
Germans  or  spies  in  the  pay  of  Germany.  They 
have  tried  and  are  now  trying  to  hinder  the  success- 
ful promotion  of  this  war.  These  men  should  be 
hanged  as  traitors;  shooting  is  too  good  for  them. 


4  First  Call 

Before  the  United  States  entered  the  war,  the 
genuine  pacifist  was  to  be  respected  as  one  who 
had  the  strength  of  his  convictions,  but  now  that 
the  United  States  is  at  war,  it  is  up  to  every 
pacifist  to  help,  not  hinder.  The  pacifist  to-day  is 
either  a  pro-German  or  a  traitor  to  his  country 
and  should  be  treated  as  such.  Give  a  few  of 
them  jail  sentences  and  see  how  quickly  the  rest 
become  patriotic. 

The  flag  flying  from  the  front  of  your  home  is 
your  flag,  our  flag;  our  fathers  shed  their  blood 
to  put  it  there;  now  it  is  up  to  every  man  and 
\/oman  of  us  to  shed  our  blood,  if  need  be,  to 
keep  it  there.  If  you  will  not  do  this,  you  are 
not  an  American  and  America  does  not  want  you. 
Go  over  where  you  belong,  under  the  German 
flag  of  miu-der,  rapine,  dishonor,  and  treachery. 


PQ 


CHAPTER  II 


TO  THE  MOTHERS 


TN  a  book  of  this  kind  there  are  so  many  topics 
to  be  considered  that  but  Httle  space  can 
be  given  to  each.  However,  I  am  going  to 
devote  a  chapter  to  the  topic  nearest  my  heart 
— the  American  Mother.  First  for  a  very  per- 
sonal reason,  because  I  have  a  mother,  and 
know  what  she  has  suffered,  especially  during 
the  time  that  I  was  in  the  trenches  and  while 
I  was  lying  wounded  in  hospitals  in  England. 
Second,  because  I  know  that  every  man  with  an 
ounce  of  brains  believes  that  in  all  ages  the  bur- 
den of  war  has  fallen  most  heavily  on  the  mothers. 
Your  boy  has  entered  the  army  or  navy,  he  has 
either  volunteered  or  been  drafted, — it  matters 
not  which.  He  has  performed  the  noblest  act 
of  his  life.  He  is  willing  to  sacrifice  his  life,  his 
all,  for  God,  Country,  Home,  and  Mother.  This 
is  a  war  of  right,  therefore  it  is  God's  war;  if  it 

5 


6  First  Call 

were  not  so,  America  would  not  have  unsheathed 
the  sword,  because  America  has  fought  and  shall 
fight  only  on  the  side  of  Right.  She  could  not 
do  otherwise  and  be  America. 

Every  American  mother  who  has  a  son  in  this 
war  should  feel  proud  of  him.  She  should  feel 
proud  to  know  that  she  has  raised  a  son  who  is 
mentally  and  physically  fit  to  fight  the  battles  of 
Ms  country,  her  country,  and  that  she  has  given 
this  son  to  the  cause  of  Justice,  Democracy,  and 
Liberty. 

It  is  useless  to  advise  mothers  not  to  worry 
while  their  sons  are  away,  because  if  they  did  not 
worry  they  would  not  be  real  mothers.  My 
intention  is  to  show  the  American  mothers 
why  they  should  not  suffer  unnecessary  worry. 
War  at  its  best  is  a  horrible  thing,  but  not  as 
horrible  as  most  mothers  imagine.  Your  son  will 
suffer  certain  hardships  and  at  times  be  exposed 
to  danger,  but  not  to  the  extent  that  you  think. 
He  will  be  fed  and  well  looked  out  for.  If  he 
falls  sick  or  is  wounded,  he  will  receive  the  best 
of  medical  attention  and  care. 

Remember  that  if  he  is  wounded  severely,  the 
suffering  is  not  great — in  fact  there  is  very  little 
pain.    Severe  wounds  are  usually  not  as  painful  as 


To  the  Mothers  7 

superficial.  To  prove  this  statement  all  one  has 
to  do  is  to  visit  any  military  hospital.  You  will 
very  seldom  see  drawn  and  dejected  faces  or 
listen  to  groans  and  complaints,  but  rather  will 
be  struck  by  the  sunny  smiles  and  cheerfulness  of 
the  patients.  A  man  who  is  suffering  greatly 
cannot  be  smiling  and  cheerful;  that  would  be 
superhuman.  I  do  not  make  the  above  state- 
ments from  hearsay,  but  from  actual  experience, 
because  I  myself  have  been  through  three  military 
hospitals,  not  as  a  visitor  either,  but  as  a  severely 
wounded  patient. 

Another  thing  for  mothers  to  be  thankful  for 
is  that  their  sons  are  not,  except  in  very  few 
instances,  exposed  to  evil  associations.  They 
are  mixing  with  the  best  manhood  of  America; 
they  are  men  among  men.  They  are  fast  learn- 
ing the  meaning  of  true  democracy,  good-fellow- 
ship, and  self-reliance,  being  far  removed  from  the 
evils  and  temptations  that  they  would  ordinarily 
encounter  in  civil  life.  They  are  profiting  men- 
tally and  physically,  and  also  spiritually,  be- 
cause they  are  fighting  in  the  cause  of  right. 
Ample  opportunity  is  given  for  attending  divine 
service, — in  fact,  the  army  encourages  a  man  to 
be   reUgious   and   God-fearing,   because   as   such, 


8  First  Call 

men  make  the  best  soldiers.  Each  regiment  has 
a  chaplain  whose  duty  is  to  look  after  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  the  men  and  to  promote  harmony, — 
and,  Mothers,  these  chaplains  do  their  duty, — 
they  are  wonderful  men. 

While  your  boy  is  in  training  and  is  stationed 
in  the  United  States,  do  not,  on  every  stormy  and 
rainy  night  picture  him  sitting  in  a  tent,  cold, 
wet,  and  shivering,  miserable  in  body  and  soul, 
because  many  times  he  is  either  sitting  with  his 
chums  around  a  hot  and  glowing  stove  in  a  Y.  M. 
C.  A.  hut  or  tent,  thoroughly  enjoying  himself, 
or  at  one  of  the  numerous  writing  tables, 
composing  the  letter  which  you  are  so  eagerly 
expecting.  A  little  later  in  the  evening  a  concert 
will  be  staged  by  soldier  talent,  after  which  a  ten- 
minute  religious  service  takes  place.  This  ten- 
minute  talk  does  a  lot  of  good  to  your  boy;  it  is 
a  man's  talk  from  a  man  to  men  and  has  a  punch 
in  it.  Then  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  closes  and  your  boy 
returns  to  his  tent  to  sleep,  well  satisfied  that  he 
is  in  the  army,  and  if  he  has  not  already  written 
to  you,  he  will  do  so  on  the  first  opportunity  the 
following  day. 

The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  is  a  noble  institution  and  is 
the  true  friend  of  every  soldier  regardless  of  his 


To  the  Mothers  9 

religion  or  belief.  It  is  an  institution  which  every 
mother  should  thank  from  the  bottom  of  her  heart, 
because  it  cares  for  her  son  in  the  right  way.  Show 
me  a  soldier  who  has  a  disparaging  word  for  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  I  will  show  you  a  soldier  who  is 
a  detriment  to  the  army.  Even  in  France  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  is  much  in  evidence;  it  does  not  hug 
the  safety  zones  behind  the  lines,  but  goes  right 
into  shell  fire.  I  have  seen  Y.  M.  C.  A.  huts  less 
than  a  mile  behind  the  front-line  trench;  in  fact, 
I  have  written  letters  to  my  own  mother  in  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  while  occasional  enemy  shells  would 
go  screeching  overhead. 

When  your  boy  arrives  in  France,  he  will  not 
enter  the  front-line  trench  and  its  dangers  im- 
mediately, but  will  be  stationed  miles  behind  the 
lines,  occupying  rest  billets.  At  this  point  his  real 
training  will  start.  Then,  by  slow  marches,  with 
a  rest  lasting  from  a  day  to  two  weeks  at  some 
hamlet  or  village,  between  each  march,  he  ap- 
proaches the  firing  line.  After  a  few  of  these 
marches  he  will  gradually  come  within  sound  of 
the  guns.  He  hears  a  deep  far-away  rumble, 
similar  to  a  thunder  storm.  Instead  of  this  sound 
making  him  nervous  and  despondent,  it  has  the 
opposite  effect,   exciting  in  him  an  eagerness  to 


10  First  Call 

go  forward,  always  forward.  And  each  day  the 
sound  grows  louder  and  louder.  Then  some  bright 
morning  he  will  witness  his  first  aero  combat, 
and  another  wave  of  enthusiasm  and  patriotism 
goes  through  him ;  he  chafes  at  the  delay  caused 
by  frequent  halts  and  slow  marches.  From  here 
on  you  will  notice  a  decided  change  in  his  letters. 

As  he  approaches  nearer  the  line,  the  sounds  of 
the  guns  take  distinct  forms,  and  he  will  be  able 
to  distinguish  the  firing  of  a  gun  from  that  of  a 
bursting  shell.  Later  on,  he  arrives  at  the  sta- 
tions of  his  own  artillery,  and  is  surprised  to 
learn  that  the  sounds  to  which  he  has  been  listen- 
ing for  the  last  few  days  were,  in  the  majority  of 
cases,  caused  by  his  own  artillery,  not  that  of  the 
Germans,  He  is  very  curious,  eager,  and  ex- 
pectant. He  is  not  suffering  from  fear,  but,  in  a 
way  peculiar  to  all  soldiers,  is  thoroughly  enjoying 
this  new  sensation  and  experience. 

Then  the  order  is  received  to  take  over  a  sec- 
tion of  the  front-line  trench.  His  regiment  moves 
up  at  night.  There  comes  a  rushing  through 
the  air,  a  red  glow  in  the  sky,  a  deafening 
sound.  It  is  the  bursting  of  a  German  high 
explosive  shell.  A  momentary  feeling  of  dread 
comes  over  him.     He  furtively  looks  around  at 


To  the  Mothers  ii 

his  mates,  and  is  surprised  to  see  them  looking 
at  him,  but  the  fact  remains  that  they  are  all 
moving  forward  in  the  right  direction.  They  are 
not  running,  there  is  no  wild  stampede.  An- 
other shell  comes  over  and  he  casually  remarks, 
"Pretty  close  that  one — Gee!  those  German 
gunners  must  be  rotten  shots!"  and  so  on  until 
after  a  while,  he  looks  upon  a  bursting  German 
shell  with  the  utmost  contempt. 

Then  he  comes  to  the  communication  trench, 
dread  in  his  heart,  fearing  the  time  when  he  will 
at  last  be  in  the  front-line  trench  of  France.  Two 
or  three  sharp  "cracks"  overhead, — a  nervous 
shudder  runs  through  him, — they  are  rifle  bullets 
passing  "over  the  top"  of  the  trench.  He  is  not 
hit.  Some  more  "cracks,"  and  at  last  he  realizes 
that  he  is  safe  from  harm,  because  he  is  down  in 
a  ditch — the  trench.  He  stumbles  on  through 
the  mud,  and  at  last  a  whispered  order  is  passed 
down  the  hne:  "  In  entering  fire  trench,  no  talking; 
pay  strict  attention  to  orders."  Pretty  soon  he 
makes  an  abrupt  turn, — in  front  of  him  is  a  ledge 
seemingly  cut  into  the  wall  of  the  trench, — it  is 
the  fire  step.  Standing  on  this  fire  step,  he  sees 
two  or  three  dark  forms  looking  over  the  top  of 
the  trench,  their  heads  silhouetted  against  the  sky 


12  First  Call 

line.  The  old  regiment  is  relieved  and  files  out 
through  the  communication  trench.  His  regi- 
ment at  last  is  holding  a  portion  of  the  line  on 
the  Western  Front,  and  it  appears  absurdly  easy 
compared  to  what  he  had  feared. 

After  two  or  three  days  in  the  trenches  the 
fact  that  "anticipation  is  worse  than  realiza- 
tion" is  strongly  impressed  upon  him.  Later, 
relieved  from  the  front-line  trench  and  enter- 
ing rest  billets,  he  finds  many  amusements  for 
the  soldiers.  Right  here,  I  wish  to  impress  upon 
you  the  fact  that  there  is  certain  propaganda 
in  the  United  States  (if  its  source  is  traced  it 
will  be  found  that  it  is  of  pro-German  origin), 
spreading  the  report  that  our  boys,  when  they 
reach  France,  will  have  ample  opportunity  to 
mingle  with  women  of  questionable  character. 
Nowhere  in  the  world  is  a  stronger  line  drawn 
between  soldiers  and  this  class  of  women  than  in 
France.  In  fact,  when  soldiers  are  quartered  in 
cities,  towns  or  villages,  it  is  a  court-martial 
offense  for  them  to  be  found  in  certain  segregated 
districts.  This  order  or  regulation  is  strictly  en- 
forced by  provost  guards  and  patrols,  which  con- 
stantly watch  these  districts  and  arrest  all  soldiers 
found  within   the  prohibited   zones,   unless  they 


To  the  Mothers  13 

have  documentary  evidence  to  prove  that  they 
are  there  on  a  specific  miUtary  duty. 

So,  Mothers,  do  not  let  this  worry  you  in  anj'- 
way,  no  matter  what  stories  to  the  contrary  you 
may  hear  in  the  United  States. 

Returning  to  the  topic  of  amusements — weather 
permitting,  baseball  and  football  games  are  held; 
field  days  or  athletic  meets  are  arranged;  plays 
are  written  and  staged ;  —  in  fact,  there  are 
recreations  which  will  appeal  to  every  tempera- 
ment. 

Your  boy  has  entered  a  new  life.  He  feels 
proud  of  himself.  He  is  doing  man's  work,  and, 
be  he  general  or  private,  the  feeling  is  the  same — 
each  feels  that  without  him  this  work  of  estab- 
Hshing  world-wide  democracy  would  be  greatly 
hindered.  Your  boy  is  not  conceited,  he  has 
simply  come  into  his  own. 

At  times,  especially  before  going  "over  the  top" 
in  a  charge  or  engaging  in  a  trench  raid,  he  is 
going  to  suffer  a  short  agony  of  intense  fear,  but 
his  thoughts  are  not  all  for  himself,  they  embrace 
the  people  at  home  as  well,  so  he  usually  writes 
a  farewell  letter  home  to  his  mother,  wife,  or  sweet- 
heart, before  starting  on  one  of  these  hazardous 
enterprises,  telling  her  that  he  is  going  "over  the 


14  First  Call 

top"  and  that  if  his  letter  is  received  it  will  mean 
that  he  has  been  killed. 

I  am  speaking  from  personal  experience,  and 
from  what  I  have  observed  myself  while  in  the 
trenches.  Before  going  on  my  last  trench  raid, 
in  which  I  was  wounded  three  times,  I  scribbled 
a  note  to  my  mother,  on  a  slip  of  paper,  telling 
her  that  I  was  going  on  a  trench  raid  and  did  not 
expect  to  return.  I  put  this  letter  in  an  addressed 
envelope  and  turned  it  over  to  my  captain  with  a 
request  that  it  be  mailed  if  I  should  be  killed.  Later 
on  in  the  hospital,  while  looking  over  my  effects, 
I  came  across  this  letter  and  preserved  it,  the 
captain  having  sent  it  with  other  papers  left  in  his 
care  to  the  dressing  station  before  leaving  France. 

Even  though  I  experienced  a  misery  of  dread 
and  fear  before  going  "over  the  top"  on  this  raid, 
still  I  had  a  feeling  that  at  last  the  chance  to  do  my 
bit  was  at  hand,  and  the  fear  melted  away  and  was 
replaced  by  a  fervent  ardor  to  die  if  necessary  in 
the  cause  that  we  all  know  to  be  right.  I  am  only 
an  average  American  boy, — no  higher,  no  lower. 
I  have  a  mother  and  I  know  the  feelings  that  I 
experienced  on  several  occasions  will  be  experienced 
by  hundreds  of  thousands  of  American  boys  when 
they  also  go  "over  the  top." 


To  the  Mothers  15 

Mother,  feel  proud  that  your  boy  is  in  the  army 
where  he  belongs.  Do  not  worry  more  than 
necessary  over  the  trials  and  tribulations  that  he 
must  endure,  but  look  forward  to  the  time  when 
you  and  the  rest  of  the  community  will  be  lining 
the  curb,  greeting  him  on  his  victorious  return 
from  France. 

American  Mothers,  the  American  soldier,  the 
Stars  and  Stripes,  Uncle  Sam,  our  Country,  God's 
Country,  salute  you!  We  are  proud  to  be  your 
sons!  We  dip  our  colors  to  you,  and  we  hope 
and  earnestly  pray  that  you  also  are  proud  that 
we  are  your  sons. 


CHAPTER  III 

"horse  soldier,"  "wagon  soldier,"  or 
"doughboy"? 

A  LTHOUGH  war  is  not  exactly  a  "pink  tea" 
■*^  and  Sherman  had  the  right  idea  of  it,  still 
it  is  not  as  horrible  as  the  average  civilian  imagines. 
Every  man  has  a  dread  of  going  under  fire  for  the 
first  time;  way  down  inside  he  is  asking  himself 
the  question:  "Have  I  a  yellow  streak?  Will  I 
prove  to  be  a  coward  before  my  mates?"  Boys, 
the  yellow  streak  is  missing ;  you  will  come  through 
all  right.  The  fact  that  you  suspect  and  dread 
this  yellow  color,  is  proof  that  it  is  not  there. 
Always  remember  this  and  it  will  help  wonderfully. 
Anticipation  is  worse  than  realization.  After 
being  under  fire  for  a  few  minutes,  a  warm 
glow  of  confidence  steals  over  you  and  you 
look  proudly  around  at  your  mates;  you  have 
come  into  your  own.  After  that  nothing  matters. 
In  a  few  days  you  settle  down  to  the  routine  of 

i6 


••  Horse  Soldier  '*  or  •*  Doughboy  **?    17 

war  and  laugh  at  your  previous  fears.  When  first 
coming  in  contact  with  the  enemy,  that  is,  within 
the  range  of  his  artillery,  machine-gun  and  rifle 
fire,  you  are  apt  to  imagine  that  he  is  invincible, 
that  you  have  no  chance  against  him,  and  con- 
sequently lose  confidence  in  yourself,  your  mates, 
and  officers.  But  always  remember  that  the 
enemy  is  also  thinking  that  you  are  invincible. 
Be  confident,  but  not  so  over-confident  that  you 
neglect  certain  necessary  precautions;  always 
give  the  enemy  credit  for  having  the  same  amount 
of  intelligence  that  you  possess. 

Next  to  confidence,  the  most  necessary  quality 
is  caution,  and  a  wise  precaution  on  the  Western 
Front  is:  "Never  trust  a  Fritz."  Though  he 
pledge  you  his  honor,  do  not  place  yourself  in  a 
position  where  he  can  "come  back  at  you."  The 
fact  that  it  doesn't  pay  to  trust  him  has  been 
proven  thousands  of  times  in  this  war. 

The  passing  of  the  Selective  Draft  bill  was  one 
of  the  finest  and  timeliest  acts  in  American  history. 
By  this,  thousands,  and  perhaps  hundreds  of 
thousands,  of  young  American  lives  have  been 
saved.  Our  country  has  benefited  by  the  awful 
example  of  the  failure  of  the  volunteer  system  in 
England.     If  England  had  followed  Lord  Kitche- 


i8  First  Call 

ner's  advice  and  had  put  conscription  into 
effect  immediately  after  the  declaration  of  war, 
consider  the  lives,  suffering,  and  money  she  would 
have  saved,  and  how  much  nearer  the  Allies 
would  now  be  to  victory ! 

Remember  it  is  not  a  disgrace  to  be  a  member 
of  the  Draft,  it  is  an  honor.  You  are  not  a  con- 
script. Uncle  Sam  did  not  give  any  one  a  chance 
to  say:  "Well,  if  they  want  me,  let  them  come  and 
fetch  me. "  He  was  in  a  hurry  and  had  no  time 
for  arguments,  so  he  resorted  to  the  draft,  which 
in  Yankee  means:  "Come  on,  boys,  we're  going 
'over  the  top'  for  democracy,  justice,  and  liberty — 
and  self-preservation."  Did  you  ever  stop  to 
think  what  it  means  to  us  if  Germany  should  win 
this  war?  Think  it  over  while  you  are  putting  on 
your  equipment.  But  put  on  your  equipment 
first,  it  is  safer. 

While  lecturing  throughout  the  United  States, 
I  have  answered,  or  have  tried  to  answer,  thou- 
sands of  questions  about  the  war.  The  questions 
most  often  asked  by  the  man  who  is  drafted  are: 
(i.)  "Which  is  the  safest  branch  of  the  service?" 
(2.)  "What  are  the  duties  of  the  different  branches 
of  the  service  while  serving  in  France?"  (3.) 
"If  I  should  volunteer  now,  instead  of  waiting 


••Horse  Soldier'*  or  ••Doughboy**?    19 

until  I  am  called  to  the  colors,  which  branch  would 
you  personally  advise  me  to  enter?" 

Of  course,  after  all,  the  question  most  often 
asked  is :  "  How  long  can  a  man  live  in  the  front- 
line trench?"  This  is  hardly  worth  answering, 
for  obviously  there  is  only  one  answer  to  it: 
"Until  he  gets  killed." 

But  to  return  to  the  reasonable  questions  above, 
my  answer  to  No.  i  is: 

Forget  the  safety  stuff;  we  are  out  to  wdn  this 
war,  and  the  only  real  safety  will  be  attained  when 
Germany  is  so  thoroughly  licked  that  she  can 
never  again  start  anything.  Sammy,  old  boy, 
just  paste  this  little  motto  in  your  hat :  "If  you're 
going  to  get  it,  you'll  get  it,"  no  matter  whether 
you  are  in  the  front-line  trenches  of  France  or  in 
the  United  States  at  a  training  camp.  It's  a 
motto  that  has  carried  hundreds  of  thousands 
through.  I  know  it  did  me.  Besides  you'll  be  so 
interested  in  the  work  when  you  have  lived  in  the 
trenches  for  a  while  that  "Safety  First"  becomes 
a  forgotten  slogan. 

For  answer  to  the  second  question  I  will  give 
a  general  outline  of  the  different  branches,  avoid- 
ing details,  so  that  Sammy  will  know  what  to 
expect. 


20  First  Call 

The  third  question,  I  cannot  answer.  Just 
read  over  the  duties  of  the  different  branches  and 
choose  for  yourself.  As  an  old  cavalryman,  it 
would  be  natural  for  me  to  boost  the  cavalry,  but, 
do  you  know,  after  serving  in  France  and  seeing 
the  different  arms  in  action,  it  is  impossible  to  be 
partial, — each  branch  is  so  "darned  good,"  and  so 
ready  to  do  its  bit,  that  it  just  naturally  makes  you 
take  off  your  hat  to  the  whole  "bunch." 

This  corps  lays  out  the  trenches 
Engineer  (Sammy  in  the  infantry  will  help  dig 
them) ;  constructs  dugouts ;  makes  and 
repairs  roads;  saps  and  mines;  constructs  and 
repairs  barbed  wire;  builds  bridges;  blows  up 
obstructions;  lays  out  and  constructs  camp  sites; 
rebuilds  destroyed  villages;  builds  railroads;  sends 
over  poison  gas;  in  fact,  it  is  in  direct  charge 
of  all  construction,  repairing,  and  demolishing 
work,  and  handles  the  tools  and  supplies  for  this 
work.   The  army  cannot  do  without  the  Engineers. 

Don't  forget  that  much  of  the  above  work  is 
done  under  fire. 

The  engineers,  while  working  in  the  first-line 
sector,  are  generally  housed  pretty  safely  and 
comfortably.  They  deserve  this  too,  because 
they  build  or  dig  their  own  homes.     Their  dugouts 


•*  Horse  Soldier**  or  ••Doughboy*'?    21 

are  very  deep,  from  fifteen  to  forty  feet  down,  very 
roomy,  and  are  furnished  with  real  bunks  which  are 
usually  built  in  tiers  against  the  walls  of  the  dug- 
out, two  and  three  deep.  An  engineer  has  charge 
of  a  great  assortment  of  tools  and  supplies,  and 
would  be  very  foolish  if  he  didn't  feather  his  own 
nest. 

Behind  the  lines  they  generally  have  the  best 
billets,  because  they  get  there  first.  I  have  seen 
many  envy  them  while  in  the  rear,  but  no  one 
envies  them  their  job  in  the  front-line  sector, 
especially  during  the  winter  or  when  it  is  raining. 
Mr.  Engineer,  shake! 

The  men  of  the  Hospital  Corps  are 
non-combatants.  They  are  doing  noble  Medical 
work.  It  is  all  right  to  be  under  fire 
and  come  in  direct  contact  with  the  enemy, 
provided  you  are  equipped  mth  arms  to  defend 
yourself,  to  inflict  injury  on  the  foe;  the  "feel"  of 
them  always  gives  you  a  feeling  of  confidence. 
A  medical  man  carries  no  weapons,  yet  he  goes 
out  at  the  risk  of  his  life  to  bring  you  in  when 
wounded. 

The  medical  unit  attached  to  your  regiment  will 
share  the  hardships  and  dangers  of  the  front-line 
trench  with  you.      To  help  them  out,  me»  from 


22  First  Call 

each  platoon  will  either  volunteer  or  be  detailed 
as  stretcher-bearers.  They  are  given  a  course 
in  first  aid  to  fit  them  for  this  work. 

Their  duties  are  to  go  "over  the  top"  with  their 
platoons  and  bring  in  the  wounded.  They  carry 
the  wounded  to  the  advanced  dressing  or  first-aid 
stations. 

At  this  point  the  Medical  Corps  proper  takes 
them  and  transports  them  by  ambulances  to  the 
casualty  clearing  stations,  ambulance  field  com- 
panies, field  hospitals,  base  hospitals,  etc.,  until 
the  casualties  reach  their  proper  destinations. 
Mr.  Medical  Man,  you  are  a  regular  fellow ! 

On  the  Western  Front  the  Signal 
Signal  Corps    -^  .       , 

Corps  IS  always  busy,  night  and  day, 

—  in  fact  without  the  Signal  Corps,  trench 
warfare  would  be  an  impossibility.  This  corps 
constructs,  maintains,  and  repairs  lines  of  com- 
munication. No  matter  where  you  go  on  the 
Western  Front,  the  work  of  the  Signal  Corps  is 
always  in  evidence.  Behind  the  lines  you  will 
see  them  constructing  overhead  telegraph  and 
telephone  lines,  busy  as  bees  running  here  and 
there,  wigwagging  flags,  semaphoring,  or  sitting 
on  the  ground  with  little  square  boxes  between 
their  knees  and  receivers  at  their  ears.      To  the 


**  Horse  Soldier  **  or  **  Doughboy  **  ?    23 

average  civilian  they  may  appear  to  have  sud- 
denly gone  crazy,  but  every  wave  of  that  flag, 
every  move  of  the  arm,  every  noise  of  the  buz- 
zer means  something  important  in  the  direct- 
ing of  the  campaign.  As  you  gradually  near 
the  front-line  sector,  overhead  wires  become  fewer 
and  fewer,  until,  excepting  in  isolated  cases,  they 
absolutely  disappear.  Your  signaller  ceases  to 
be  an  overhead  man, — he  is  now  a  digger  of 
ditches. 

Look  out  for  the  Signal  Corps  men  when  you 
go  into  the  artillery  zone  where  your  guns  are 
situated.  If  you  aren't  very  careful  in  crossing  an 
open  field,  you  will  stumble  over  a  signal  wire, 
breaking  the  circuit,  and  in  a  very  few  minutes  a 
couple  of  Signal  Corps  men  will  appear  in  the 
distance  and  will  land  on  you  like  a  ton  of  bricks. 

Enter  a  trench, — you  will  notice  many  wires 
strung  along  the  walls  and  men  constantly  repair- 
ing them.  Perhaps  in  the  dark  you  will  stumble 
over  one  of  these  wires,  which  has  become  de- 
tached and  has  fallen  across  the  trench.  You 
trip  and  pitch  headlong  into  about  three  feet  of 
soft  mud.  After  the  splash  of  your  fall,  while 
trying  to  clear  your  eyes  and  ears  from  mud,  a 
sarcastic  voice  will  greet  you:  "What's  the  matter, 


24  First  Call 

are  you  blind?  Can't  you  see  those  blooming 
wires?  You  have  busted  the  circuit  of  Obser- 
vation Post  No.  11679163  X.  Y.  Q.,  and  Battery 
No.  189X1743  P-  D.  Q."  Of  course,  you  know 
what  the  signaller  is  talking  about, — anyway  do 
not  argue  with  him,  because  he  has  a  very  wonder- 
ful vocabulary  and  it  will  only  be  a  short  time 
before  you  are  completely  "gassed." 

In  every  Signal  Corps  there  are  many  oppor- 
tunities afforded  for  the  members  to  distinguish 
themselves  individually,  thus  winning  recommenda- 
tion for  "Mention  in  Despatches"  or  Medalp  of 
Honor.  At  night,  when  the  German  trenches 
have  been  raided  by  bombing  parties,  nimibering 
from  fifty  to  twp  hundred  and  fifty  or  more,  I 
have  seen  Signal  Corps  men,  equipped  with  field 
telephone  and  buzzer,  go  over  with  the  raiders  and 
establish  and  keep  open  communication  between 
the  bombing  squad  an^  our  own  front-line  trench. 
It  is  more  or  less  an  easy  matter  to  raid  a  German 
trench,  because  there  is  plenty  of  excitement  in 
action, — but  picture  the  lone  signaller  lying  on 
the  wet  ground  about  ten  feet  from  the  German 
barbed  wire,  sending  messages  through  his  field 
telephone  set,  expecting  every  moment  to  be  wiped 
out  by  a  German  bomb  or  machine  gun.     This 


*•  Horse  Soldier**  or  *•  Doughboy '*?    25 

requires  the  greatest  quick  thinking,  judgment, 
and  nerve. 

I  have  also  seen  a  Signal  Corps  man  mount  the 
parapet  of  a  captured  German  trench  during  an 
attack,  and  in  broad  daylight,  exposed  to  German 
fire,  wigwag  back  the  signal  "Ammunition  Re- 
quired. "  The  Signal  Corps  is  always  in  the  van, 
— in  fact,  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  after  a  trench  has 
been  captured,  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
attacking  forces  is  able  to  communicate  with  his 
base  of  supplies. 

The  Signal  Corps  is  the  nerve  system  of  the 
army. 

My  best  to  you,  Mr.  Signaller! 

The  general  opinion  in  the  United 

Cavalry 

States  is  that  now  war  has  developed 
into  fighting  in  ditches  or  trenches,  the  cavalry  is 
an  obsolete  I:  ranch  of  the  service,  and  is  practically 
useless  on  the  Western  Front.  This  is  not  so. 
The  cavalry,  of  course,  at  the  present  writing  is 
not  able  to  take  part  in  charges,  scouting,  cutting- 
out  expeditions,  etc.,  because  the  nature  of  the 
ground  and  entrenchments  will  not  permit.  But 
when  we  break  through  on  the  Western  Front 
(which  will  not  be  in  the  near  future,  but  will 
happen  eventuall}^  then  the  cavalry  will,  as  of  old, 


26  First  Call 

demonstrate  to  the  world  its  usefulness,  dash,  and 
efficiency.  The  truth  of  this  statement  was 
demonstrated  in  the  fighting  around  Cambrai. 

In  the  earlier  stages  of  this  war  the  cavalry 
did  wonderful  work.  It  was  the  branch  of 
the  service  until  the  armies  dug  themselves  in. 
Right  now  the  duties  of  the  cavalrymen  are  similar 
to  that  of  traffic  policemen  directing  congested 
traffic  in  a  large  city.  They  are  stationed,  at 
some  points,  within  three  to  four  hundred  yards 
of  the  front-line  trench.  At  every  crossroad  you 
will  see  a  solitary  mounted  man  with  a  red  band 
around  his  left  sleeve  on  which  appear  the  black 
letters  "M.  P.  "  meaning  Military  Police.  He  has 
absolute  authority  invested  in  him,  and  it  is  his 
duty  to  patrol  all  roads,  villages,  and  keep  open 
lines  of  communication,  arresting  all  suspicious 
persons.  In  fact,  he  is  one  of  the  main  spy-catchers 
on  the  Western  Front. 

You  must  consider  that  the  above  mentioned 
work  is  done  under  shell  fire,  and  also  that 
where  large  attacks  are  contemplated,  the  cavalry 
is  dismounted  and  put  into  the  front-line  trench 
to  act  as  infantry.  When  this  happens,  the  horse, 
of  course,  is  left  behind,  but  the  cavalryman,  to 
impress  upon  the  infantryman  that  he  is  a  ''horse 


•*  Horse  Soldier**  or  *•  Doughboy  **?    27 

soldier''  wears  his  spurs,  even  while  sleeping.  This 
fact  will  be  vouched  for  by  many  of  the  infantry- 
men. In  fact,  the  spurs  impress  them  greatly, 
particularly  when  a  lone  cavalryman  is  quartered 
in  a  dugout  to  sleep  with  infantrymen.  Somehow 
or  other  said  cavalryman  has  plenty  of  room, 
especially  if  he  has  a  bad  habit  of  kicking  in  his 
sleep.  I  quote  this  from  personal  experience, 
having  tried  to  sleep  alongside  of  a  man  from  the 
Royal  Irish  Hussars. 

Another  advantage  of  being  a  cavalryman  is 
that,  in  addition  to  keeping  the  rest  of  his  equip- 
ment clean  while  resting,  he  is  allowed  to  groom 
and  feed  his  horse.  The  best  of  luck  to  you,  Mr. 
Horse  Soldier,  when  "Boots  and  Saddles"  is 
sounded  for  open  warfare!  Here's  hoping  it 
may  be  soon ! 

The  artillery  is  the  battering  ram  of 
trench  warfare.  A  soldier  loves  his 
own  artillery  and  curses  that  of  the  enemy. 
Without  artillery,  war  on  the  "Western  Front  would 
be  a  rollicking  picnic.  The  individual  artillery- 
man, except  in  cases  where  he  is  detailed  as  an 
observer,  very  seldom  gets  into  the  front-line 
trench.  He  has  too  much  to  do  behind  the  lines. 
The  artilleryman  is  on  duty  twenty-four  hours  a 


28  First  Call 

day, — that  is,  he  does  not  actually  work  twenty- 
four  hours  a  day,  but  must  be  ready  at  a  moment's 
notice  to  man  the  guns  and  open  fire.  He  has  it  a 
little  easier  than  the  infantryman,  because  he  has 
greater  facilities  for  keeping  clean,  longer  hours 
for  sleep  and  amusement,  being  stationed  any- 
where from  four  hundred  yards  to  fifteen  miles 
behind  the  lines.  He  usually  occupies  spacious 
dugouts.  This  fact  really  reflects  credit  on  him, 
showing  his  capacity  for  hustling  and  industry,  as 
these  dugouts  are  constructed  by  him  in  the  time 
taken  from  his  leisure  hours.  Somehow  or  other, 
no  matter  w^hat  the  weather  conditions,  an  artillery- 
man always  appears  spick-and-span,  and  takes 
great  pride  in  keeping  his  gun  clean.  In  fact  it 
shines  like  a  mirror,  except  where  it  is  exposed  to 
observation  by  the  enemy. 

This  unusual  sort  of  mirror  is  also  used  to  perfect 
his  own  toilet.  An  artilleryman  always  appears 
to  be  cheerful.  He  has  a  sort  of  happy-go-lucky 
disposition.  I  have  witnessed  a  battery  of 
"four  fives"  during  a  heavy  action,  men  stripped 
to  the  waist,  sweat  pouring  from  them,  and  Ger- 
man shells  bursting  in  the  near  vicinity,  singing 
songs  and  cracking  jokes  while  "carrying  on" 
with  their  work  of  "strafeing  Kultur. " 


**  Horse  Soldier  •*  or  **  Doughboy  **  ?    29 

In  large  attacks,  where  considerable  advance 
has  been  made  into  the  enemy  positions,  it  is  a 
sight  for  the  gods  to  see  light  batteries  go  into 
action,  galloping  across  open  spaces  imder  heavy- 
fire. 

In  trench  warfare,  infantry  without  artillery 
would  be  helpless.  Superiority  in  artiUery  effi- 
ciency will,  from  the  actual  fighting  standpoint, 
win  this  war.  If  you  consider  that  the  main 
object  of  the  enemy  artillery  is  to  smash  our  guns, 
then  it  will  be  readily  seen  that  the  artilleryman's 
job  is  not  merely  a  social  affair,  and  that  ninety- 
five  per  cent,  of  the  wounds  caused  in  the  artillery 
result  from  shell  fire. 

The  great  disadvantage  of  being  in  the  artillery 
is  that  at  the  actual  time  of  firing  you  are  unable 
to  witness  the  effect  of  your  bursting  shells.  The 
artiller^'-man  seldom  sees  the  objective  fired  at. 
Of  course,  after  the  line  has  been  advanced,  the 
German  trenches  taken,  and  the  artillery  moved  to 
the  captured  positions,  then  a  glowing  pride  of 
enthusiasm  for  his  branch  of  the  service  comes  over 
the  artilleryman,  because  he  then  witnesses  the 
awful  destruction  that  his  fire  has  caused  the 
enemy. 

"Mr.    Wagon    Soldier,"    we    are    looking    for- 


30  First  Call 

ward  to  you  to  bust  up  the  firm  of  "Me  und 
Gott." 

Last  but  not  least  we  come  to  the 
^^""^  infantry— "The  Maid-of-All-Work  of 
the  Army."  In  trench  warfare  an  infantryman 
can  be  described  as  really  belonging  to  the 
following  branches  of  the  service:  Engineer 
Corps,  Medical  Corps,  Signal  Corps,  Artillery,  and 
Infantry.  He  has  to  know  and  be  able  to  do  a 
Httle  of  the  work  of  each.  When  an  infantryman 
reaches  France  he  quickly  learns  that  in  trench 
fighting  "the  shovel  is  mightier  than  the  sword." 
In  comforts,  consideration,  and  courtesies  the 
infantry  comes  last,  while  in  charges,  attacks, 
raids,  etc.,  the  infantry  is  first.  There  is  nothing 
too  difficult  for  the  infantryman  to  accomplish. 
If  it  is  laying  out  a  ditch  or  system  of  trenches, 
he  does  it;  if  it  is  to  take  the  German  lines,  build  a 
road,  rebuild  a  village,  construct  a  dugout,  dig  an 
artillery  emplacement,  it  requires  the  infantry  to 
get  on  the  job  and  somehow  or  other  it  is  satis- 
factorily completed. 

The  infantryman  of  to-day  is  as  different  from 
the  infantryman  of  old  as  black  from  white. 
There  are  so  many  specialized  branches,  such  as 
bombing,  machine  gunnery,  scouting,  sniping,  first 


**  Horse  Soldier**  or  **  Doughboy  **  ?    31 

aid  and  stretcher-bearing,  etc.,  that  an  infantry- 
man has  to  be  up  to  the  mark.  His  training 
comprises  a  smattering  of  these  specialties,  and, 
later  on,  perhaps  a  complete  course  in  each  sub- 
ject. The  infantry _^is  the  backbone  of  the  army 
and  is  always  in  the  thick  of  it.  Read  an  account 
of  an  action,  see  if  the  infantry  is  mentioned.  If 
it  is  not,  there  was  no  action,  so,  "Mr.  Doughboy," 
although  you  have  joined  the  lowest  ranking 
branch  of  the  service,  every  one  is  proud  of  you, 
and  you  can  shake  hands  with  the  artillery  and 
say:  "Well,  assisted  by  the  other  branches,  we 
won  the  war. " 


CHAPTER   IV 

THE   HONOR   OF   KHAKI 

"Vi^OU  have  selected  the  branch  af  the  service 
*■  which  you  Hke  best  and  have  enlisted.  As 
you  put  on  your  uniform  do  you  really  realize  what 
an  honor  it  is?  The  uniform  of  the  United  States 
Army,  Navy,  and  Marine  Corps  is  more  or  less 
respected,  still  there  has  been  a  tendency  to  regard 
it  from  a  commercial  standpoint,  judging  the 
wearer  by  the  salary  he  receives.  As  an  instance, 
— I  was  sitting  in  the  subway  next  to  two 
prosperous-looking  business  men;  across  the  way 
was  an  old  army  sergeant,  his  hair  turning 
gray,  six  service  stripes  on  his  arm,  and  three 
campaign  ribbons  on  his  left  breast;  on  a 
line  with  these  ribbons  was  an  expert  rifleman's 
badge.  One  of  the  business  men  whispered  to 
his  companion:  "See  that  old  corporal  across 
the  way  [he  was  even  wrong  about  his  rank], 
there  is  a  life  wasted, — why,   my  office  boy  draws 

32 


The  Honor  of  Khaki  33 

down  a  bigger  salary  then  he. ' '     The  other  con- 
ciirred  in  this  opinion. 

The  ignorance  of  it !  The  pity  of  it !  The  crime 
of  it !  Those  two  egotistical  dollar  chasers  did  not 
realize  that  those  "wasted  lives"  were  making 
it  possible  for  them  to  pursue  their  even  way,  main- 
tain their  servants  and  motors,  send  their  children 
to  school,  and  give  them  a  flag  to  be  displayed  from 
their  windows  about  three  times  a  year. 

How  many  American  citizens,  by  looking  at  a 
man  in  uniform,  can  tell  to  what  branch  of  the 
service  he  belongs?  Very  few, — about  ten  out  of 
every  hundred  would  be  a  safe  guess. 

The  fact  is  that  the  public  is  ignorant  of  military 
matters.  They  think  that  all  one  has  to  do  is  to 
change  from  civilian  clothes  into  uniform,  and 
behold! — an  efficient  soldier! 

While  lecturing  before  the  Iowa  State 
University,  I  met  a  captain  from  the  ^^,^ 

United  States  Cavalry  (I  had  at  one 
time  served  in  his  regiment)  who  told  me  of  an 
incident  that  happened  while  he  was  recruiting 
for  the  Officers  Reserve  Corps  in  Chicago,  It  gives 
a  good  example  of  the  general  public's  idea  of  army 
training.  A  certain  prominent  business  man  came 
into  the  recruiting  office,  went  up  to  the  captain, 


34  First  Call 

and  in  a  self-important,  puffed-up  manner,  asked: 
' '  Say,  where  can  I  go  for  a  couple  of  days  to  learn 
this  officer  stuff — I  want  a  commission  in  the 
army?" 

If  I  had  been  that  captain  I  would  have  told 
him  where  he  could  have  gone.  Perhaps  the  cap- 
tain did  recommend  him  to  the  same  place — at 
any  rate  I  hope  he  did. 

Do  you  ever  stop  to  think,  Mr.  Civilian,  you, 
who  expect  to  rush  into  the  army  as  an  officer, 
what  the  responsibility  entails?  It  means  that 
you  yourself  must  be  a  trained  and  efficient  soldier, 
one  who  has  the  confidence  of  the  men  under  you ; 
that  lives  of  men,  the  winning  or  losing  of  battles, 
yes,  and  the  welfare  of  the  nation,  depend  on  your 
leadership.  Are  you  qualified  to  look  Uncle  Sam 
in  the  face  and  tell  him,  and  then  prove  to  him,  that 
you  are  the  man  he  needs  in  this  crisis?  If  you 
believe  this,  go  to  it,  and  the  best  of  luck  to  you, 
but  remember  it  means  good  hard  work  and  plenty 
of  "guts"  behind  it,  as  the  old  soldier  says. 

In  no  way  am  I  qualified  to  criticize  you,  and  I 
do  not  mean  to  do  so;  these  next  chapters  are 
written  for  the  purpose  of  giving  the  civilian  and 
the  draft  man  the  benefit  of  a  few  tips  and  pointers, 
that  I  myself  have  picked  up  in  six  years'  service  in 


CROSS  OF  WAR 

WITH  STAR  -     FRANCE  -   W  ITH  PALMS 


MILITARY  MEDAL 
WAR0F191+-FRANCE 


ORDER  or  St  GEORGE: 
RUSSIA 


MILITARY   CROSS 
1914-  ENGLAND 


MILITARY  ORDER  OF 

SAVOY- ITALY 


ORDERofLEOPOLD-ALBERTI 

BELGIUM 


ORDER  OF  THE  CROWN 
of     ITALY 


ORDER  ofthcGOLOEN  KITE 

JAPAN 
Military  Decorations. 


ORDER  oftheTOWER  ^ 
SWORD- PORTUGAL 


MILITARY     MEDAL 
RtvERSE  -   ENGLAND—  obverse 


ORDER  OF  TAKOUA 
SEIRVI  A 


ORDER   OF    MER 
BULGARIA 


ORDER  OF  DANILO  I 
MONTENEGRO 


ORDER    OFTHH  CROWN 
SIAM 


orderofthedouble  dragon 

CHINA 
Military  Decorations. 


The  Honor  of  Khaki  35 

the  regular  United  States  Army,  seven  years  in  the 
National  Guard,  and  over  a  year  in  the  English 
Army,  in  the  trenches  on  the  Western  Front, 
until  discharged  on  account  of  wounds  received 
in  battle. 

Since  the  recruiting  campaign  started 
it  has  been  a  common  sight  to  see  men  mbboBT 
in  uniform;  we  meet  them  everywhere, 
at  banquets,  in  the  best  hotels,  in  churches,  on  the 
streets.  It  is  not  an  unusual  sight  nowadays  to 
see  privates  driving  high-speed  motor  cars  or 
occupying  boxes  in  the  most  select  theatres.  It  is 
as  it  shoiild  be ;  the  uniform  has  come  into  its  own. 
The  best  manhood  of  our  country  is  wearing  it, 
proud  to  display  it  in  pubHc.  They  have  a  right 
to  be  proud  of  it. 

But  what  about  the  man  who  wears  that  little 
colored  ribbon  on  his  left  breast?  Why  does  he 
wear  it? 

A  friend  of  mine  recently  enlisted;  he  was 
in  uniform,  walking  down  Broadway  with  the 
girl  of  his  choice,  when  a  smart-looking,  dapper 
soldier  passed  them.  Across  the  left  breast  of  this 
soldier's  blouse  could  be  seen  three  little  colored 
ribbons.  The  young  lady  was  greatly  impressed 
and  turning  to  her  escort  said :  "Joe,  why  don't  you 


36  First  Call 

get  some  of  those  ribbons ;  they  certainly  do  set  off 
a  uniform.     Please  get  some,  will  you?" 

Joe,  blushing  a  little,  informed  her  that  next  day 
he  would  stop  in  and  get  some  from  his  military 
outfitters.  She  was  satisfied  and  Joe  was  highly 
amused. 

Those  little  ribbons  on  a  soldier  denote  that  he 
has  been  through  campaigns,  has  been  under 
fire,  and  perhaps  has  won  a  medal  for  personal 
bravery. 

If  you  see  a  soldier  wearing  a  little  light  blue 
strip  decorated  with  white  stars,  go  up  to  him 
and  shake  his  hand,  because  he  has  won  the 
greatly  coveted  Medal  of  Honor  of  the  United 
States. 

A  white  and  red  strip  means  that  the  wearer  has 
served  in  the  Philippine  Insurrection.  A  strip  of 
two  bands  of  blue  and  gray  denotes  service  in  the 
Civil  War.  Two  strips  of  blue  separated  by  yel- 
low shows  service  in  the  Spanish  American  War. 
Red,  yellow;  blue,  yellow;  and  red,  bordered  with 
blue,  means  service  in  the  Cuban  Occupation. 
The  ribbon  of  yellow  edged  with  blue  denotes 
service  in  China,  during  the  Boxer  Rebellion. 

Sammy,  there  will  be  many  different  medals  of 
honor  and  campaign  badges  issued  for  bravery  and 


LEGION  OF  HONOR 
FRANCE 


MEDAL    OF  HONOR 
•^I'^EO  STATES  OF  AMERICA 


Given  to  Soldiers  of  English 
Army  who  have  received 
wounds  under  fire  and  have 
been  discharged  as  physi- 
cally unfit. 


DISTINGUISHED  SERVICE  ORDER 
ENGLISH 


Military  Decorations. 


ORDER  or  MED  Jl DIE 
TURKISH 


THE   IRON   CROSS 
GERMAN 


ORDER    OR  THE  BLACK  EAGLE 
GERMAIN/ 

Military  Decorations. 


The  Honor  of  Khaki  37 

service  in  this  war  so  go  to  it  and  get  some.  After 
the  war  is  over  don't  have  your  girl  tell  you  to  buy 
some,  because  they  cannot  be  bought  with  money, 
— bravery  and  patriotism  is  their  p^rice. 


CHAPTER  V 

"you're  in  the  army  now" 
Old  Song 

V/'OU  are  to  be  one  of  a  million  men,  a  tiny  cog 

in  a  great  machine,  yet  you  still  have  your 

individuality,  so  upon  enlistment,  or  a  couple  of 

days  later,  the  government  will  issue  to  you  an 

identification  disc.     This  will  be  round,  about  the 

size  of    a  half-dollar,  made    either  of 

..     ^.      "     red   fibre  or  aluminium.     There  is   a 
tion  Discs 

little  hole  in  the  disc  through  which 
a  piece  of  tape  is  passed.  The  disc  is  worn 
around  the  neck  by  means  of  the  tape,  under- 
neath your  uniform.  Stenciled  on  one  side  of  the 
disc  appears  your  rank,  name  (perhaps  company 
nimiber),  and  regiment.  These  discs  are  used  for 
the  purpose  of  identification  in  case  you  are  killed 
or  wounded. 

The  "Tommy"   in   the  English  Army,   before 
leaving  for   France,    either   made   or   bought    an 

38 


**You*re  in  the  Army  Now**  39 

additional  disc  to  be  worn  around  the  wrist  by 
means  of  a  chain  and  snap  hook.  This  disc 
was  of  metal,  oval-shaped,  and  had  the  same 
stenciled  information  as  the  one  issued  by  the 
government. 


ENGLISH  IDENTIFICATION  DISC 


Sometimes  while  in  the  trenches  identification 
discs  become  lost  either  through  accident  or  care- 
lessness, so  it  is  a  good  idea  to  provide  yourself 
with  the  extra  one  to  be  worn  around  the  wrist. 
Many  times,  either  while  behind  the  lines,  or  in  the 
trenches,  especially  when  your  regiment  has  taken 
over  a  new  and  strange  section,  you  are  stopped 
by  military  police  or  officers.  They  ask  you  to 
show  your  disc  to  prove  your  identity.  Perhaps 
you  are  in  heavy  marching  order, — if  so,  it  is  a 
case  of  stop,  drop  a  lot  of  your  equipment,  un- 
button your  blouse,  and  show  the  disc  worn  around 


40  First  Call 

the  neck.  If  you  have  one  on  your  wrist  it  saves 
all  this  trouble. 

A  good  idea  is  to  stencil  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  disc  worn  around  the  wrist,  the  name  and  ad- 
dress of  the  person  whom  you  wish  to  be  notified 
if  you  are  killed  or  wounded. 

Sammy,  no  doubt  you  wish  to  appear '  'up  to  date' ' 

in  the  eyes  of  our  Allies  when  you  land  in  France, — 

therefore  get  this  additional  disc  and  it  will  help 

produce  this  effect. 

The  first  and  paramount  thing  for  a 

Khaki  the  recruit  to  learn  upon  enlistment,  is 
Leveller 

that  the  uniform  is  a  great  leveller. 

It  places  the  millionaire,  the  coal  heaver,  the 
highbrow,  the  "rough  neck,"  the  learned  and  the 
ignorant  on  the  same  plane.  They  receive  the 
same  pay,  allowances,  equipment,  and  treatment 
until,  after  a  time,  superior  qualities  assert  them- 
selves and  the  possessor  of  these  rises  to  his 
proper  level  or  rank.  In  no  institution  in  the 
world  is  merit  recognized  and  appreciated  more 
than  in  the  army  and  just  promotion  quickly 
follows. 

When  a  recruit  takes  the  oath  of  allegiance  he 
starts  on  a  new  life,  and  an  impassable  chasm 
yawns  between  the  old  and  the  new.     It  is  not 


"You're  in  the  Army  Now*'  41 

what  he  has  already  accomplished  that  mat- 
ters,— it  is  what  he  will  accomplish  in  the 
future. 

The  race  is  open  to  all  and  every  man  starts  from 
scratch,  with  fair  and  just  judges  along  the  track, 
clocking  him  as  he  passes  the  different  training 
periods. 

The  success,  efficiency,  and  force  of  an  army  are 
due  to  one  thing: 

Discipline 

To  a  recruit  discipline  is  a  nasty  medicine  and 
seems  unnecessary.  To  an  old  soldier  it  is  a 
nectar  of  the  gods  and  indispensable. 

And  remember  that  at  one  time  the  old  soldier 
was  a  recruit.  Do  not  forget  this.  He  went 
through  the  trials  and  tribulations  that  you  are 
now  enduring. 

Do  not  grumble,  growl,  or  grouse. 

Be  cheerful,  even  if  it  hurts  you. 

Do  not  knock  the  army,  your  officers,  or  non- 
commissioned officers.  It  will  get  you  nothing 
but  trouble.  An  officer  or  "non-com"  will  gen- 
erally go  out  of  his  way  to  "rub  it  into"  a  sullen 
recruit.     It  is  one  of  the  indoor  sports  of  the  army. 


42  First  Call 

Do  not  try  to  curry  favor  with  the 

Rookie  Tips  u     ^     ■        ^     u  -u     w 

man  over  you  by  trying  to  bribe  him 

into  showing  you  more  consideration  than  the 
rest.  You  are  only  entitled  to  the  same  treat- 
ment as  the  other  recruits.  The  man  you  try 
to  bribe  has  the  utmost  contempt  for  you,  and  if 
he  accepts  the  bribe  you  have  nothing  but  con- 
tempt for  him.  Even  though  he  shows  you  more 
consideration,  it  makes  your  road  harder,  because 
the  rest  of  the  "non-coms"  and  men  soon  "get 
wise"  to  what  is  going  on,  and  they  will  take 
especial  pains  to  make  your  road  a  rocky  one. 
And  they  can  do  it. 

Keep  the  good  opinion  of  your  officers,  "non- 
coms,"  and  mates  and  you  soon  will  learn  with 
pleasure  and  surprise  how  easy  and  enjoyable 
army  Hfe  really  is. 

Perform  willingly  every  duty  and  fatigue  for 
which  you  are  detailed.  Take  care  of  your  own 
rifle  and  equipment ;  do  not  hire  one  of  your  mates 
to  do  it.  He  is  not  your  servant, — he  is  your  com- 
rade. By  hiring  him  you  demonstrate  to  the  rest 
of  your  outfit  that  you  are  a  lazy  and  incompetent 
soldier.  When  you  enter  the  army  the  dollar 
mark  loses  its  value. 

A  recruit  who  tries  to  buy  his  way  or  hangs 


**You*re  in  the  Ariny  Now**  43 

around  an  officer  or  "non-com,"  waiting  to  do  his 
bidding,  toadying  to  him,  is  known  as  a  "hand- 
shaker." In  the  army  a  "handshaker"  ranks 
lower  than  a  worm  and  is  respected  accordingly. 
If  you  must  curry  favor  with  somebody,  get  in 
with  the  cook ! — it  will  help  you  later  on. 

Never  borrow  or  loan  your  rifle,  equipment,  or 
uniform.  It  is  also  bad  policy  to  borrow  money 
from  your  mates, — they  draw  no  more  than  you. 
Use  your  own  judgment  in  lending  money  and 
personal  belongings.  Do  not  be  a  "tight-wad,'" — be 
human;  then,  too,  sometime  you  may  want  some- 
thing, and  want  it  badly,  and  you  won't  get  it. 

Treat  all  of  your  mates  with  respect,  because 
that  is  fair,  and,  moreover,  before  this  war  is  over, 
your  life  may  depend  upon  the  help  of  the  most 
despised  man  in  the  battery,  troop,  or  company. 

Join  no  clique  or  "gang"  in  your  outfit,  because 
sooner  or  later  it  will  "bust  up,"  and  the  rest  of 
the  outfit  will  be  the  clique  and  you  will  be  a  rank 
outsider. 

Keep  off  the  sick  report;  do  not  try  to  dodge 
drills,  fatigues,  etc.,  by  hiding  behind  the  skirts  of 
the  doctor  unless  you  arc  really  ill.  Remember 
sick  call  is  not  mess  call. 

If  a  man  is  foolish  enough  to  disregard  all  army 


44  First  Call 

regulations  and  contracts  a  venereal  disease,  he 
must  not  treat  it  himself  but  should  go  on  sick 
report  immediately. 

As  soon  as  possible,  buy  a  set  of  drill  regulations 
and  study  them ;  it  will  help  you  wonderfully,  but 
after  reading  a  few  pages,  do  not  start  criticizing 
your  officers  and  "non-coms," — they  have  for- 
gotten more  than  you  know  about  the  army. 

„    .  After  being  sworn  in,  your  uniform 

Equipment  *^  ^ 

and  equipment  will  be  issued.  Sign 
for  it ;  carefully  checking  your  equipment  as  listed 
on  the  sheet  you  sign, — generally  the  two  don't 
jibe  and  the  mistake  is  not  in  favor  of  the  recruit. 
Some  quartermaster  sergeants  have  a  way  of  mak- 
ing errors  when  dealing  with  recruits.  If  you  sign 
without  reading,  and,  later  on,  one  or  two  articles 
are  missing,  don't  worry, — you  will  "find  them  on 
the  pay  roll" — that  is,  they  will  be  issued  to  you 
and  the  price  of  same  will  be  deducted  from  your 
next  pay. 

Try  on  your  uniform  when  it  is  issued  to  you, 
and  see  that  it  fits;  don't  let  the  sergeant  hand 
you  a  6^  hat  when  you  wear  a  7J^,  or  vice  versa. 
Remember  a  blouse  is  not  an  overcoat. 

Immediately  after  drawing  equipment,  mark  it 
with  your  battery,  troop,  or  company  number, — 


•* You're  in  the  Army  Now*'  45 

each  man  is  given  a  number.  Stencils  are  pro- 
vided for  this  purpose.  Look  with  suspicion  on 
the  old  soldier  who  volunteers  to  help  you  mark 
your  equipment.  Watch  him  closely,  because  he 
is  liable  (by  mistake,  of  course)  to  mark  some  of 
your  belongings  with  Jiis  number,  and  later  on, 
when  he  claims  them,  the  evidence  is  there  and 
cannot  be  disputed. 

After  being  outfitted,  go  to  the  regimental 
tailor.  For  a  couple  of  dollars  he  will  alter  your 
uniform  so  that  it  fits,  and  you  won't  look  like 
a  sack  of  oats  with  a  belt  around  the  middle.  Al- 
ways be  neat  and  clean.  If  your  captain  sees  that 
you  are  a  smart-looking  recruit,  he  immediately 
says  to  himself,  "I'll  keep  my  eye  on  that  man, 
we  need  'non-coms. ' " 

Learn  how  to  salute  properly  and    „  . ,   ^ 

^  .  Guide  Posts 

smartly.  Do  not  neglect  this.  Al- 
ways salute  officers  in  a  soldierly  manner.  You 
are  not  belittling  yourself — it  is  simply  military 
courtesy  and  discipline.  Remember  that  the 
officer  must  also  return  the  salute,  but  if  he 
sometimes  fails  to  do  so,  do  not  remind  him  of 
the  fact. 

Nothing  advances  a  soldier  so  quickly  as  proper 
military  courtesy.     An  officer  is  quick  to  notice 


46  First  Call 

a  smart  salute,  and  good  will  result  to  you  from 
this  notice. 

Never  tell  a  "non-com,"  no  matter  how  small  he 
may  be,  that  if  it  weren't  for  his  "stripes"  you 
would  "beat  him  up."  Generally  this  statement 
lands  you  in  the  guardhouse,  and  then,  too,  the 
"non-com"  may  take  off  his  blouse  and  "wallop 
the  daylights  out  of  you" — before  he  puts  you  in 
the  guardhouse. 

Always  get  up  at  "First  Call"  in  the  morning, — 
don't  wait  for  the  march,  or  "R.eveLlle, "  or  you'll 
be  late  for  the  roll  call  and  this  means  extra  fatigue 
and  after  repeated  offenses,  a  court-martial. 

A  few  more  tips  before  this  chapter  is  closed : 

Do  not  be  afraid  to  ask  questions.  If  possible, 
ask  a  "non-com."  It  is  best.  If  a  non-commis- 
sioned officer  is  not  at  hand,  ask  two  old  soldiers, 
and  then  weigh  their  answers, — if  they  jibe,  you 
are  generally  safe  from  doing  something  ridiculous. 
Do  not  pester  a  "non-com"  with  a  lot  of  silly  or  use- 
less questions  or  he  will  get  sore  at  you. 

In  each  company,  there  is  a  bulletin  board. 
Look  at  this  three  or  four  times  a  day  to  see  if 
your  name  is  posted  for  any  specific  duty,  detail,  or 
fatigue.  Men  are  not  notified  individually,  and  ig- 
norance of  a  detail  is  not  accepted  as  a  valid  excuse. 


•*You*re  in  the  Army  Now**  47 

Always  ascertain  from  the  orders  posted  what 
uniform,  arms,  etc.,  are  required  for  the  next  drill 
or  formation  and  get  your  equipment  ready  in 
advance. 

Learn  the  list  of  bugle  calls,  their  time  and 
meaning,  as  soon  as  possible.  It  will  help  you 
wonderfully.     (See  Chapter  VII.) 


CHAPTER  VI 

OLD   SOLDIER  AND   ROOKIE 

T^HE  following  are  a  few  tricks  played  on  re- 
cniits,  so  remember  and  avoid  them,  but 
if  you  get  stuck  on  one  which  is  not  mentioned 
here,  don't  get  "sore," — laugh  it  off  and  lay  for 
some  recruit  who  is  not  "  wise." 

A  "non-com"  or  old  soldier,  perhaps  twenty 
minutes  before  drill  call,  will  rush  up  to  you  and 
in  an  excited  manner  ask  if  you  will  do  him  a  favor. 
In  your  eyes  an  old  soldier  is  something  wonderful, 
and  you  will  be  very  willing  to  accommodate  him. 
Then  he  hands  you  this :  ' '  Run  over  to  the  quarter- 
master sergeant  of  'D'  company  and  get  me  the 
'  key  to  the  parade  ground ' ;  it's  nearly  drill  time 

and  some  d d  fool  locked  it  last  night.     The 

captain  is  in  a  terrible  sweat."  If  you  faU  for 
this  the  quartermaster  sergeant  in  "D"  company 
will  say  he  is  sorry,  but  the  key  is  in  the  orderly 
room  of  "M"  company.     At  the  orderly  room, 


Old  Soldier  and  Rookie  49 

you  are  told  to  go  to  the  sergeant  of  the  guard. 
After  looping  the  loop  around  the  camp  several 
times,  if  you  do  not  "get"  wise  to  the  game,  you 
generally  land  before  the  adjutant.  On  leav- 
ing the  adjutant,  your  face  is  a  brick-red  color, 
and  with  murder  in  your  heart  you  feel  like  crawl- 
ing into  some  hole  away  from  everyone  for  dura- 
tion of  the  war.  Just  remember  that  in  the  army 
they  do  not  lock  up  parade  grounds  at  night. 

Do  not  accommodate  any   one   by    ., 
going  after  a  "pint  of  Reveille  oil." 
You  will  never  get  it. 

Another  foolish  errand  is  trying  to  borrow 
from  the  next  company  "about  ten  yards  of 
skirmish  line."  Skirmish  lines  do  not  come  in 
yards. 

When  requested,  never  try  to  wind  the  "wind 
clock"  on  the  target  range.  These  clocks  refuse 
to  wind. 

Never  go  to  the  quartermaster  sergeant  to 
exchange  your  hat  cord  for  a  6-7/8  one.  They 
don't  come  in  sizes,  and  if  he  happens  to  be 
busy,  he  will  let  out  a  little  "religion"  in  your 
direction. 

The  most  popular  form  of  amusement  to  be 
avoided  by  a  recruit  is  "snipe  hunting." 


50  First  Call 

This  hunting  party  is  generally  scientifically 
worked  up  to  by  the  older  men  in  this  manner: 

A  couple  of  old  soldiers  will  saunter 
g  Jl  „  into  a  tent  or  squad-room  occupied 
by  recruits,  and,  apparently  oblivious 
to  the  fact  that  others  are  around,  will  whisper, 
just  loud  enough  for  the  recruits  to  hear,  this 
interesting  dialogue: 

"Jim,  do  you  know  that  snipe  are  running? 
Last  night  I  scared  up  more  than  a  dozen." 

Jim  gets  very  excited  and  whispers: 

"  On  the  level,  Bill,  did  you  actually  see  them?" 

Bill:  "Of  course  I  didn't  see  them,  but  I  heard 
them.  Don't  you  suppose  I  know  a  snipe  when 
I  hear  it?  I  tell  you  there's  hundreds  of  them 
about." 

Jim:  "Let's  go  hunting  to-night." 

Bill:  "Not  so  loud,  do  you  want  everybody 
to  get  wise,  and  spoil  it?" 

By  this  time  the  recruits  within  hearing  are 
eagerly  sucking  in  every  word. 

Jim:  "That's  it;  the  last  hunt  was  spoiled 
because  the  whole  company  got  on  to  it.  We 
only  had  about  half  a  snipe  per  man.  And  believe 
me,  I  can  eat  a  half-dozen  alone!" 

Bill:  "Well  if  we  can  get  about  six  men  beside 


Old  Soldier  and  Rookie  51 

ourselves  to  help  out,  we  ought  to  have  a  good 
find  to-night.  Of  course,  we  have  let  the  two  cooks 
in  on  the  game,  so  they  can  fix  up  the  spread.  Just 
like  those  two  guys;  they  get  all  the  cream  and 
none  of  the  work!" 

Jim:  "Yes,  but  if  you  get  some  of  the  company 
men  to  go,  they'll  ring  in  their  bunkies  and  it'll 
be  like  the  last  hunt, — not  enough-  snipe  to  go 
around." 

Bill  in  a  lower  whisper,  but  perfectly  audible  : 

"  Jim,  do  you  know  I've  half  a  mind  to  take  some 
of  the  new  men  along;  they  might  not  be  experts 
at  snipe  hunting,  but  they  know  enough  to  keep 
their  mouths  shut — let's  go  over  to  No.  2  Platoon 
and  ask  some  of  them." 

By  this  time  the  recruits  have  made  up  their 
minds;  they  are  all  aglow  with  enthusiasm;  they 
are  going  to  be  the  invited  ones  on  that  hunt  if 
they  can  possibly  manage  it.  Generally  one  re- 
cruit butts  into  the  conversation  with  an  excited 
and  eager  voice: 

"Say,  I'll  go!" 

This  is  immediately  followed  by  a  chorus  of 
"So  will  I!" 

Jim  turns  around  in  assumed  anger  and  disgust, 
ejaculating : 


52  First  Call 

"Good-night!  It's  all  off  now.  The  cat's  out 
of  the  bag,  just  the  same  as  last  time." 

But  Bill  interposes: 

"Why  not  take  them,  Jim?  There's  only  six, 
and  we  can  tell  them  what  to  do." 

The  recruits  immediately  look  upon  Bill  as 
their  champion  and  each  one  just  loves  him. 

After  a  little  argument  Jim  agrees.  The  re- 
cruits are  sworn  to  strict  secrecy,  with  orders  to 
report,  after  lights  out,  to  the  cook-shack.  The 
party  breaks  up.  Bill  and  Jim  leave  to  have  a 
quiet  little  laugh,  while  the  recruits  in  undertones, 
constantly  looking  around  to  see  that  no  one  is 
in  hearing,  excitedly  discuss  the  pleasures  in  store 
for  them  that  night. 

All  that  day  they  make  constant  mysterious 
signs  to  each  other  and  look  with  contempt  on 
the  other  recruits. 

At  last  the  long-looked-for  "Tattoo"  is  sounded 
by  the  trumpeter  and  the  camp  is  in  darkness. 

They  silently  sneak  out  and  report  to  the  cook- 
shack  for  instructions.  Sure  enough,  Jim,  Bill, 
and  the  two  cooks  are  on  the  job.  Then  the  plan 
of  campaign  is  laid  out.  While  the  recruits  are 
listening  to  instructions,  sundry  little  snickers  can 
be  heard  in  the  darkness  around  them,  but  the 


The  Author  Serving  in  Texas  with  nth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  191 1. 


lU.  &  u. 

National  Guardsmen  Wearing  Complete  Outfit. 


Old  Soldier  and  Rookie  53 

snipe  hunters  don't  "get  wise"  to  the  fact  that  all 
of  the  old  men  "are  on"  and  are  l3dng  around  the 
cook-shack,  taking  in  everything. 

This  is  the  way  the  "snipe  hunt"  is  conducted: 

Four  of  the  recruits  are  detailed  as  "beaters." 
They  are  to  go  about  a  mile  down  the  road  and 
start  "beating"  from  a  well-known  object, — gen- 
erally a  bridge  or  a  barn.  Each  man  has  been 
instructed  to  carry  a  watch.  Exactly  at  10  o'clock 
the  "beaters"  must  start  "beating"  the  fields 
on  each  side  of  the  road,  with  sticks,  while  walking 
toward  the  camp.  The  other  two  are  "bag  men." 
They  have  oat  sacks,  which  are  placed  on  the  sides 
of  the  road,  near  an  opening  in  the  fence.  The 
mouth  of  the  sack  is  held  open  by  an  upright 
stick.  The  two  "bag  men"  are  placed  out  of 
hearing  of  each  other.  (It's  safer  for  the  success 
of  the  scheme.) 

Then  each  "bag  man"  is  told  to  lie  down  about 
ten  feet  behind  the  sack.  He  is  given  two  stones 
which  he  must  constantly  hit  together.  This  is 
in  imitation  of  the  cry  of  the  male  snipe,  while 
occasionally  they  must  "cheep-cheep"  to  imitate 
the  female. 

The  "beaters"  drive  the  snipe  ahead  of  them, 
and  by  "cheep-cheeping"  and  clicking  the  stones 


54  First  Call 

together,  the  "bag  men"  entice  the  snipe  into  the 
bags.  The  two  old  men  and  the  cooks  say  they 
will  "beat  it"  from  the  other  end  of  the  road  and 
leave.  They  "beat  it"  for  their  hunks  and  have 
a  good  laugh,  and,  what's  more  important,  a  sleep. 

The  "beaters"  and  "bag  men"  have  been  in- 
structed not  to  give  up  the  hunt  until  they  are 
told  to  do  so  by  the  old  soldiers. 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  the  recruits 
"get  wise,"  and,  tired  out  and  drenched  with  dew, 
sneak  into  their  respective  bunks. 

Next  day  the  "snipe  hunt"  is  known  all  over 
the  regiment  and  the  recruits  feel  like  deserting. 

If  you  are  in  the  cavalry  keep  your 
"  The  Saber   weather  eye  open  for  the  ' '  saber  ghost " 

Ghost"  .    ,  ^       .  .  ,  r    ^. 

tnck.  it  IS  engineered  as  lollows : 
In  barracks,  the  saber  is  loosely  strapped  to  the 
foot  of  the  trooper's  bunk  or  bed.  A  long  piece  of 
black  thread  is  tied  to  the  end  of  the  saber  scabbard 
and  passed  around  one  of  the  legs  of  the  bunk,  while 
the  other  end  is  tied  around  the  finger  of  some  old 
soldier  several  bunks  down  the  squad-room.  This 
is  done  after  "Lights  out"  or  "Tattoo"  has  sounded. 
The  squad-room  is  dark.  Pretty  soon  the  victim 
comes  tip-toeing  in,  undresses  quietly  and  jumps 
into  bed.    After  a  few  minutes,  when  the  old  soldier 


Old  Soldier  and  Rookie  55 

thinks  the  recruit  is  about  to  doze  off,  he  gives 
a  gentle  tug  to  the  thread  and  the  saber  rattles  in 
an  uncanny  manner.  The  recruit  listens  atten- 
tively,— pretty  soon  another  rattle.  Generally  the 
recruit  sits  up  in  bed  and  stares  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  noise.  Rattle!  He  is  now  nervous; 
he  gets  up  and  investigates,  but  does  not  see  the 
black  thread  in  the  darkness.  He  is  convinced 
that  he  was  mistaken  and  turns  in  again.  An- 
other rattle!  Sits  up  again  and  is  frightened.  A 
few  more  rattles  are  generally  followed  by  a  scream 
or  a  mad  stampede  out  of  the  squad-room.  Then 
a  roar  of  laughter  from  nearly  every  bunk  and 
Mr.  Recruit  returns  to  his  bunk  thoroughly 
ashamed  and  crestfallen. 

If  an  old  soldier  insists  on  saddling  your  horse 
for  drill,  mistrust  him,  especially  if  you  are  riding 
a  ** goosey"  horse  because  he  is  liable  to  put  a 
burr  or  small  pebble  under  your  saddle  blanket, 
which  usually  results  in  the  recruit  landing  ' '  some- 
where in  the  corral"  while  Mr.  Horse  takes  up 
the  gallop  for  parts  unknown. 

Be  careful  when  returning  to  your  bunk,  after 
lights  out,  because  there  is  a  trick  of  stretching 
a  lariat  about  six  inches  from  the  floor,  one  end 
tied  around  the  gun  rack  and  the  other  to  a  bunk 


56  First  Call 

leg.  This  means  a  nasty  fall  and  a  loud  noise, 
waking  the  occupants  of  the  squad-room, — then 
a  volley  of  curses  and  boots.  It  generally  ends 
in  a  fight. 

Look   out    for    the    "French    bed" 

Other  Snares 

stunt.     This  consists  in  doubling  the 

top  sheet.  The  recruit  lifts  the  covers,  holding 
the  end  of  the  sheet  in  both  hands  and  is  surprised 
to  find  that  he  cannot  stretch  out  his  legs.  It 
means  making  over  your  bed  in  the  dark,  waking 
the  man  on  your  right  and  left  and  submitting  to 
a  tirade  of  impertinent  remarks,  all  about  your 
intelligence. 

If  you  have  a  habit  of  sleeping  until  "Reveille," 
watch  out  for  the  shoe  trick.  This  consists  in 
stuffing  your  socks  into  the  toes  of  your  shoes. 
You  jump  up  in  a  hurry  to  make  roll  call, — your 
socks  are  missing.  After  a  fruitless  search  in 
which  precious  seconds  are  wasted,  you  decide  to 
go  sockless  and  try  to  put  on  your  boots  but 
your  feet  won't  go  in.  After  you  fish  out  the 
socks,  "Assembly"  sounds  and  you  have  missed 
"Reveille,"  which  results  in  an  extra  fatigue. 

At  II  P.M.,  or  a  minute  or  two  before  "Taps," 
the  "non-com"  in  charge  of  quarters  takes  ' '  check  " 
— that  is  he  examines  the  squad-room  to  see  if 


Old  Soldier  and  Rookie  57 

all  men  not  on  guard  or  pass  are  in  bed.  Perhaps 
the  man  next  you  wants  to  beat  this  inspection. 
He  changes  bunk  tags,  putting  his  tag  on  your 
bed  and  yours  on  his.  The  "non-com"  comes  to 
his  bed,  and  notes  the  name  on  the  tag  {your 
name)  and  next  morning  you  are  haled  into  the 
orderly  room  to  explain  why  you  were  absent  from 
"11  P.M.  inspection."  It  takes  a  lot  of  convincing 
on  your  part  to  get  out  of  the  mess,  because  before 
you  get  up  in  the  morning  the  real  offender  has 
returned  and  again  changed  the  bunk  tags. 

Sometimes  to  beat  "check,"  soldiers  put  dum- 
mies in  their  beds  and  "get  away"  with  it,  but  if 
caught,  the  consequences  are  serious.  Don't  get 
caught.     The  safer  way  is  to  stand  "check." 

There  are  many  more  snares  laid  for  unsuspect- 
ing recruits,  but  the  ones  above  mentioned  are 
generally  used. 

If  anyone  wants  you  to  do  something  that 
sounds  "off  color"  just  tell  him  that  you  are  sorry 
but  you're  busy,  that  he  had  better  ask  Smith  or 
Jones  to  do  it.  He  will  immediately  tumble  to 
the  fact  that  you  smell  a  rat  and  will  leave  in 
quest  for  one  who  will  swallow  his  bait. 


CHAPTER  VII 


WATCH   YOUR   STEP 


T    AM   not   a  preacher  and  do  not    intend  to 
preach,   but   here   is   a   small,    but   valuable 
friendly  tip: — 

Do  Not  Gamble 

There  is  a  certain  element  in  a  company,  which 
looks  upon  the  successful  and  no  doubt  crooked 
gambler  (because  a  gambler  cannot  always  be 
successful  without  being  crooked)  with  respect, 
awe,  and  admiration.  They  ape  him,  toady  to 
him,  and  feel  proud  to  be  seen  in  his  company. 
Then  they  try  to  follow  in  his  footsteps,  with 
disastrous  results  to  themselves. 

The  self-respecting  element — the  part  that 
counts  in  an  outfit — looks  down  on  him  in  disdain 
or  with  a  feeling  of  contempt  and  pity. 

Remember  "  easy  come,  easy  go."  There  never 
yet  has  been  a  successful  gambler  in  the  army 

58 


Watch  Your  Step  59 

who  made  his  mark, — he  is  always  in  trouble; 

the   officers   despise   him,   and   his   army    career 

generally  ends  suddenly  by  his  being  "bobtailed*' 

or  kicked  out  in  disgrace. 

The  draftman  with  no  experience  in 

Army  Sharks 
gambling  who  enters  a  concentration 

or  training  camp  is  liable  to  be   the  prey   of  the 

"army  shark."      Many  snares   are   laid  for  him 

and  he  must  be  pretty  wise  to  avoid  them  all. 

Avoid  crap  games, — you  can  never  tell  when 
loaded,  shaped,  or  "tops  and  bottoms"  dice  are 
being  rung  into  the  game  by  these  sharks. 

Another  trick  of  theirs  is  to  persuade  the  victim 
to  shoot  craps  on  a  blanket,  army  cot,  or  bunk, 
because  on  these  soft  smooth  surfaces  dice  can 
be  thrown  so  that  only  four  sides  will  touch  the 
blanket.  In  this  system^  the  shark  uses  the  fol- 
lowing combination:  Starting  his  shoot,  ne  picks 
up  the  dice  with  a  six  and  an  ace  together,  or  two 
aces,  or  two  sixes  touching.  He  then  (as  you  think) 
shakes  the  dice,  but  the  rattle  you  hear  is  caused 
by  one  dice  being  firmly  held  in  his  hand  while 
the  other  dice  rattles  against  this  stationary  one 
without  losing  the  combination.  Then  he  rolls 
the  dice  over  his  finger  tips  on  to  the  blanket. 
The  dice  appear  to  be  rolling  properly,  but  in  fact 


6o  First  Call 

they  do  not  turn  inward  and  outward,  but  just 
revolve  in  the  same  direction  and  preserve  the 
combination. 

Using  this  combination  on  the  first  throw,  it  is 
impossible  to  throw  a  crap,  that  is  two  aces,  an 
ace  or  deuce,  or  two  sixes. 

After  the  shark  has  a  point  of  six  or  eight,  in  his 
roll  he  places  an  ace  and  deuce  together  or  an 
ace  and  five.  This  gives  him  the  advantage  of 
a  great  percentage  in  making  his  point. 

If  his  point  is  nine  or  five  he  places  an  ace  and 
four  together. 

If  his  point  be  ten  or  four  he  places  an  ace  and 
trey  together. 

By  placing  deuce  and  five  together  it  is  impos- 
sible to  make  a  nine  or  five.  So  when  the  shooter 
has  nine  or  five  for  his  point,  his  confederate  in 
the  game  offers  big  odds  that  he  cannot  make  it, 
and  usually  someone  falls  for  this  bet  because  the 
shooter  is  lucky  (as  he  thinks)  having  made  many 
passes  on  this  shoot.     The  outsider  loses. 

Never  shoot  where  newspapers  or  canvas  are 
spread  on  a  fiat  smooth  surface  because  these 
sharks  can  spin  their  dice,  and  ninety  times  out 
of  a  hundred  are  able  to  throw  any  combination 
on  the  dice  they  desire. 


Watch  Your  Step  6i 

Think  over  the  foregoing  carefully.  What 
chance  do  you  stand  to  win?  Absolutely  none. 
Send  your  money  home  where  it  will  do  the  most 
good.  The  old  folks  need  it,  or,  if  they  don't, 
they  will  save  it  for  you. 

If  you  gamble  and  lose,  don't  borrow  money 
with  the  hope  that  your  luck  will  change  next 
time  and  square  matters.  It  will  change  all  right, 
change  for  even  worse,  and  you  will  find  yourself 
in  a  deep  hole.  Instead  of  sending  money  home, 
no  doubt  in  desperation  you  will  think  out  some 
plausible  lie  and  write  home  for  money,  and  that 
will  follow  the  other  losses. 

A  self-respecting  soldier  has  no  use  for  a 
man  who  is  always  down  and  out  through 
gambling. 

Look  out  for  the  "under,  over,  and  even"  game. 
The  banker  has  the  greater  percentage  and  if  you 
buck  this  game,  in  the  long  run  your  are  sure  to 
go  broke. 

In  poker,  full  houses,  in  some  games,  have  a 
habit  of  bobbing  up  against  your  flush,  and  the 
holder  of  the  full  house  doesn't  always  get  it  by 
luck.  He  has  also  a  system.  Remember  friend- 
ship ceases  in  love — and  a  poker  game. 

Refuse  to  take  chances  on  a  raffle  unless  it  is 


62  First  Call 

for  a  worthy  cause.     Raffles  are  the  pest  of  the 
army. 

If  you  put  the  time  you  waste  in  gambling  into 
reading  and  studying  the  drill  regulations,  you 
will  be  surprised  how  quickly  you  will  get  your 
"stripes"  (promotion). 


CHAPTER  VIII 

BUGLE  CALLS  AND   RATIONS 

nPHE  new  recruit  has  gotten  down  to  business 

■*•       and  is  studying  hard.     One  of  the  first  things 

to  tackle  is  the  list  of  army  bugle-calls,  so  they 

are  given  below  with  their  various  meanings. 

First    Call. — Sounded   early   in   the 

,        ,  ^    ,  Bugle  CaUs 

mornmg  by  the  trumpeter  of  the  guard, 

generally  from  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  before  gun- 
fire. It  is  to  awake  the  camp  and  warn  the  men 
to  get  ready  for  reveille.  It  is  also  used  as  a  warn- 
ing call  before  a  parade  or  inspection. 

Gunfire. — In  military  posts  there  is  a  saluting 
gun.  At  a  designated  time  after  "  First  Call,"  the 
colors  are  raised  to  the  top  of  the  flagstaff.  The 
company  buglers  and  the  band  have  assembled. 
They  play  a  march,  on  the  first  note  of  which  the 
gun  is  fired,  saluting  the  flag  as  it  ascends  the 
flagstaff. 

63 


64  First  Call 

Reveille. — Warns  the  men  to  fall  in  for  reveille 
roll  call. 

Assembly. — Sounded  a  few  minutes  after  reveille, 
this  means  that  every  man  must  be  in  ranks. 
Used  after  a  warning  call  for  a  formation  or  drill, 
it  means  "fall  in."  It  is  also  used  to  assemble 
scattered  troops  or  units;  these  troops  or  units 
must  proceed  without  loss  of  time  to  the  point 
from  which  the  call  is  sounded. 

Fire. — A  warning  call  for  troops  to  fall  in,  un- 
armed but  prepared  for  fighting  fire  in  a  post  or 
camp.  Standing  regulations  or  orders  covering 
the  duties  for  each  unit  in  case  of  fire  are  issued 
by  the  Commanding  Officer. 

To  Arms. — A  warning  call  for  troops  to  fall  in 
immediately,  under  arms  at  designated  points. 
Only  the  sick,  and  prisoners  with  their  guards,  are 
excused  from  this  call. 

To  Horse. — A  warning  call  used  in  mounted 
organizations  for  troops  to  assemble  under  arms, 
saddle  and  mount  up. 

Retreat. — A  long  bugle  call  sounded  at  sundown 
at  the  lowering  of  the  colors.  In  posts,  on  the 
last  note  of  this  call,  the  gun  is  fired  and  the  band 
starts  playing  the  Star  Spangled  Banner  or  the 
trumpeters  sound  "To  the  Colors." 


Bugle  Calls  and  Rations  65 

Tattoo. — Sounded  in  an  army  camp  or  post, 
it  means  that  lights  must  be  extinguished  in 
sleeping  quarters  and  quiet  maintained.  It  is 
generally  sounded  at  9  o'clock  at  night. 

Call  to  Quarters. — Warns  all  troops  not  on  pass 
or  duty,  to  repair  to  their  quarters ;  in  army  posts 
it  is  generally  sounded  at  10.45  p.m. 

Taps. — Bugle  call  warning  troops  to  extinguish 
all  lights  and  to  turn  in.  It  means  the  day's  work 
is  ended.  It  is  also  sounded  at  the  funeral  of  a 
soldier,  and  is  conceded  to  be  the  most  beautiful 
and  sentimental  call  in  the  Army. 

Mess. — Bugle  call  warning  troops  that  it  is 
time  to  eat. 

Sick. — Summons  troops  who  have  reported 
"sick"  to  repair  to  the  hospital,  there  to  be  passed 
upon  by  the  Medical  Officer. 

Church. — Bugle  call  warning  troops  that  divine 
service  is  about  to  take  place. 

Recall. — Notifies  troops  that  drills,  parades, 
formations,  fatigues,  etc.,  are  ended.  When 
sounded  between  a  warning  call  and  assembly  it 
means  that  that  particular  drill  or  formation  is 
not  to  be  held.  Also  used  to  terminate  sham 
battles,  maneuvers,  etc. 

Issue. — Announces  that  the  Quartermaster  is 


66  First  Call 

ready   to   issue    rations,   clothing,    small    stores, 
etc. 

Officers'  Call. — Bugle  call  for  officers  to  report 
immediately  to  Headquarters. 

Captains'  Call. — Bugle  call  for  Captains  to 
report  to  Headquarters. 

First  Sergeants'  Call. — Orders  First  Sergeants  to 
report  to  Headquarters;  sounded  daily,  generally 
at  11.30  A.M. 

Fatigue. — Troops  must  commence  whatever 
fatigue  or  work  they  have  been  detailed  to  do. 

School. — ^Warns  troops  that  it  is  time  to  report 
for  school. 

Commence  Firing. — Bugle  call,  used  generally  on 
target  ranges  during  rifle  firing  practice,  ordering 
troops  to  commence  firing.  The  firing  can  com- 
mence on  the  first  note  of  the  call. 

Cease  Firing. — Troops  must  cease  firing;  all 
firing  must  cease  on  the  last  note  of  the  call. 

Adjutant's  Call. — Bugle  call  warning  squadrons, 
battalions  or  guard  details  to  form. 

To  the  Color. — Blown  when  the  color  salutes  or 
is  being  lowered  at  simset. 

Guard  Mounting. — The  warning  call,  blown 
about  fifteen  minutes  before  the  guard  is  mounted, 
ordering  the  men  detailed  for  guard  to  get  ready 


Bugle  Calls  and  Rations  67 

and  to  fall  in  on  their  respective  parades,  in 
charge  of  the  First  Sergeant  at  the  place  of  guard 
mount. 

Full  Dress. — The  warning  call  blown  before 
a  ceremony  or  parade,  informing  the  troops 
that  the  full-dress  uniform  will  be  worn  at  this 
formation. 

Overcoats. — A  call  to  warn  troops  that  overcoats 
will  be  worn  at  the  next  formation, — usually  drill 
or  guard  mounting.  Ample  time  is  given  between 
"Overcoats"  and  "Assembly"  to  enable  the  men 
to  put  on  their  overcoats. 

Drill  Call. — ^Warns  troops  to  prepare  for  drill. 

Stable. — ^A  bugle  call  mostly  used  in  mounted 
organizations,  ordering  the  men  to  water,  groom, 
and  feed  their  horses. 

Water. — Commonly  used  in  mounted  organiza- 
tions, announcing  that  it  is  time  to  water  the 
horses. 

Boots  and  Saddles. — Means  "saddle  up";  or 
sounded  after  a  warning  call  signifies  that  the 
formation  is  to  be  mounted. 

The  General. — A  bugle  call  blown  for  the  break- 
ing up  of  camp.  Upon  the  first  note,  troops  must 
unloosen  guy  ropes  and  tents  in  such  a  manner 
that  upon  the  sounding  of  the  last  note  the  tents 


68 


First  Call 


"Eats" 


will  come  down,  all  falling  in  the  same  direction. 

Attention. — A  bugle  call  to  troops  in  ranks  which 
means  "Come  to  the  position  of  'Attention,'  "  or, 
if  out  of  ranks,  to  fix  the  attention  in  the  direction 
from  which  the  call  sounded. 

What  he  eats  is  of  interest  not  only 
to  the  rookie  but  to  the  folks  at  home. 
His  diet  is  sufficiently  varied  and  highly  nutri- 
tious. If  you  don't  believe  it,  glance  over  this 
list  of  his  rations, 

A  ration  is  the  allowance  for  the  subsistence  of 
one  person  for  one  day. 

The  garrison  ration  is  intended  for  troops  in 
garrison,  and,  in  time  of  peace,  for  troops  in 
maneuver  camps. 


COMPONENT  ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES. 
In  Garrison 


Beef,  freaSi 20  ounces  - 


SUBSTITUTIVE  ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES. 

'  Mutton  fresh 20  ounces 

Bacon* 12  ounces 

Canned  meat,  when 
impracticable  to 
furnish  fresh  meat  16  ounces 
Hash,  corned  beef, 
when  impracti- 
cable    to     furnish 

fresh  meat 16  ounces 

Fish,  dried 14  ounces 

Fish,  pickled 18  ounces 

Fish,  canned 16  ounces 

Turkey,  dressed 
drawn  on  Thanks- 
giving Day  and 
Christmas,  when 
practicable 16  ounces 


Bugle  Calls  and  Rations 


69 


COMPONENT  ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES 
In  Gairisoo 


Flour 18  ounces  - 


Baking  powder. . .  .   0.08  ounce 


SUBSTITUTIVE   ARTICLES  AND 

QUANTITIES. 

Soft  bread 18  ounces 

Hard  bread,     to     be 

ordered  issued  only 

when  the  interests 

of  the  government 

so  require 16  ounces 

Com  meal 20  ounces 


Beans. 


Potatoes 20  ounces   -< 


.2.4  ounces   \  ^'""^ ^'^  ounces 

(  Honiinj^ 1.6  ounces 

Potatoes,  canned*.. .  .     15  ounces 

Onions  in  lieu  of  an 
equal  quantity  of 
potatoes,  but  not 
exceeding  20  per 
cent,  of  total  issue. 

Tomatoes,  canned, 
in  lieu  of  an  equal 
quantity  of  pota- 
toes, but  not  ex- 
ceeding 20  per  cent, 
of  total  issue. 

Other  fresh  vegeta- 
bles (not  canned)* 
when  they  can  be 
obtained  in  the 
vicinity  or  trans- 
ported in  a  whole- 
some condition 
from  a  distance,  in 
lieu  of  an  equal 
quantity  of  pota- 
toes, but  not  ex- 
ceeding 30  per  cent, 
of  total  issue 


*  In  Alaska,   16  ounces  bacon,  or,  when  desired,   16  ounces 
salt  pork,  or  22  ounces  salt  beef. 

18  ounces  canned  potatoes  instead  of  15. 
24  ounces  fresh  vegetables  instead  of  20. 


70 


First  Call 


COMPONENT  ARTICLES   AND 
QUANTITIES. 

In  Garrison 


Pnines 1.28  ounces    - 


Coffee 1,12  ounces 


SUBSTITUTIVE   ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES. 

Apples,  dried  or  eva- 
porated  1.28  ounces 

Peaches,      dried     or 

evaporated 1.28  ounces 

Jam,  in  lieu  of  equal 
quantity  of  prunes 
but  not  exceeding 
50  per  cent,  of 
total  issue. 

Coffee,    roasted    not 

ground 1.12  ounces 

Coffee,  green 1.4  ounces 

Tea,  black  or  green.. .  .0.32  ounce 


Sugar 3.2  ounces 

Milk,  evaporated 

unsweetened ....  0.5  ounce 


Vinegar 0.16  gill    " 

Salt 0.64  ounce 

Pepper,  black 0.04  ounce 

Cinnamon 0.014  ounce 

Lard 0.64  ounce 

Butter 0.5  ounce 


Pickles,  cucumber,  in 
lieu  of  an  equal 
quantity  of  vinegar 
but  not  exceeding 
50  per  cent,  of  total 
issue. 


Cloves 0.014  ounce 

Ginger 0.014  ounce 

Nutmeg 0.014  ounce 

Lard  substitute 0.64  ounce 

Oleomargarine 0.5  otmce 


Bugle  Calls  and  Rations  71 

COMPONENT  ARTICLES   AND  SUBSTITUTIVE   ARTICLES   AND 

QUANTITIES.  QUANTITIES. 

In  Garrison 

Sirup 0.32  gill    

Flavoring    extract, 

lemon 0.014  ounce  Vanilla 0.014  ounce 

Note:  Food  for  troops  travelling  on  United  States  Army 
transports  will  be  prepared  from  the  articles  of  substitute  stores, 
which  compose  the  ration  for  troops  in  garrison,  varied  by  the 
substitution  of  other  articles  of  authorized  subsistence  stores, 
the  total  daily  cost  per  man  of  the  food  consumed  not  to  exceed 
20  per  cent,  more  than  the  current  cost  of  the  garrison  ration, 
except  on  Thanksgiving  Day  and  Christmas  when  60  per  cent, 
increase  over  the  same  current  cost  is  authorized. 

The  travel  ration  is  for  troops  travelling  other- 
wise than  by  marching  and  separated  from  cooking 
facilities. 

Travel  Rations 

COMPONENT    ARTICLES   AND  SUBSTITUTIVE    ARTICLES    AND 

QUANTITIES.  QUANTITIES. 

Soft  bread 18  ounces  Hard  bread 16  ounces 

Beef,  corned 12  ounces  Hash,  corned  beef.  .  .     12  ounces 

Beans,  baked 4  ounces   

Tomatoes,  canned .      8  ounces   

Jam 1.4  ounces   

CoflFee,  roasted  and 

ground 1. 12  ounces  

Sugar 2.4  ounces   

Milk,    evaporated, 

unsweetened 0.5  ounce   

The  reserve  ration  is  carried  on  the  persons  of  the 
men  and  in  the  trains  and  constitutes  the  reserve 
for  field  service. 


72 

First  Call 

Reserve 
Ration 

COMPONENT  ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES. 

SUBSTITUTIVE   ARTICLES  AND 
QUANTITIES. 

Bacon 

12 

.    I6 
i6 

L 

1. 12 
2.4 

o.i6 

ounces 
ounces 
ounces 

ounces 
ounces 
ounce 

or  meat  canned.. 

Hard  bread 

Coffee,  roasted  and 
ground 

Sugar 

Salt 

_    .  The  field  ration  is  the  ration  pre- 

Field  Ration  ,  ,  ^ 

scribed  in  orders,  by  the  commander  of 
the  field  forces.  It  consists  of  the  reserve  ration 
in  whole  or  in  part,  supplemented  by  articles  of 
food  requisitioned,  purchased  locally,  or  shipped 
from  the  rear,  provided  such  supplements  or 
substitutes  correspond  generally  with  the  com- 
ponent articles  or  substitutive  equivalents  of  the 
garrison  ration. 

The  emergency  ration  is  furnished, 

Emergency     -^^  addition  to   the  regular  ration,  as 
Ration  ^ 

required,  for  troops  on  active  campaign 

or  in  the  field  for  purposes  of  instruction,  and  will 

not  be  opened  except  by  order  of  an  officer  or  in 

extremity,   nor   used  when   regular   rations    are 

obtainable. 


CHAPTER   IX 

"barndooks"  and  "hikes" 

T^HE  two  most  important  items  of  a  soldier's 
equipment  are  his  rifle  and  shoes.  Many  of 
the  men  in  our  new  armies  never  have  handled  a 
rifle  before  entering,  so  a  brief  description  of  the 
American  Springfield  rifle  and  the  English  Lee- 
Enfield  rifle  may  prove  useful. 

Although  the  American  Springfield  rifle  is  a 
wonderful  shooting  instrument,  many  think  it  is 
too  delicate  for  trench  work.  When  you  arrive  in 
France  you  will  undoubtedly  be  equipped  with  the 
Le^Enfield  trench  rifle.  This  is  a  very  strong, 
handy,  and  useful  firearm,  well  able  to  withstand 
the  rough  usage  of  the  trenches. 

It  is  known  as  the   United   States     ^j^^  Ameri- 
magazine  rifle,   1903,  caliber  .30.     Its     can  Spring- 
length  is  43.21  +  inches,  weighs  with- 
out the  bayonet  8.69  pounds  and  with  the  bayonet 
about  one  pound  more.     It  is  sighted  up  to  2850 

73 


74  First  Call 

yards,  the  extreme  range  being  over  5000  yards, 
that  is  if  the  rifle  when  fired  is  elevated  at  an 
angle  of  45  degrees.  The  bullet  has  a  muzzle 
velocity  of  2700  feet  per  second  and  is  fired  by 
a  charge  of  smokeless  powder.  The  bullet  is  of 
cupro-nickel  with  a  lead  core  and  is  pointed. 
The  magazine  holds  five  rounds  and  is  loaded 
with  a  clip  containing  five  cartridges.  Your  drill 
instructors  will  explain  how  to  properly  care  for 
and  clean  this  rifle.  A  few  tips  nevertheless  may 
help  out. 

After  cleaning  your  rifle  never  put 
f^®  °  a  cork  or  jam  a  rag  into  the  muzzle. 

This  will  cause  sweating  in  the  barrel, 
resulting  in  rust. 

If  it  rains  while  on  the  march,  carry  the  rifle 
muzzle  down.  After  returning  to  barracks,  billets, 
or  dugouts,  get  a  soft  rag  free  from  oil  and  thor- 
oughly dry  the  rifle,  especially  the  bore.  A  rifle 
cannot  be  dried  with  an  oily  rag,  because  oil  and 
water  do  not  mix.  After  you  have  thoroughly 
dried  your  rifle,  take  an  oily  rag  and  rub  every  part. 
This  will  also  save  you  hours  of  toil  and  plenty  of 
"cussing." 

Remember  red  rust  can  easily  be,  and  should  be, 
removed  as  soon  as  practicable,  because  if  it  is 


•*Barndooks**  and  **Hikes**  75 

allowed  to  remain  it  will  soon  turn  into  black  rust 
which  eats  in  and  pits  the  metal  parts,  especially 
the  bore,  thereby  causing  erratic  shooting.  Re- 
member your  rifle  is  your  best  friend  and  treat  it  as 
such. 

The    Lee-Enfield   Long    weighs    9 
pounds  4  ounces,   and  is  4  feet   1 3^      ^^~    r^ 
inches  in  length.     With  bayonet  fixed, 
it  measures  5  feet  i]^'2  inches.     The  caliber  is  .303. 
There  are  five  riflings  or  ' '  turns ' '  in  the  bore.     The 
magazine  holds  ten  rounds  (two  clips  of  cartridges, 
five  cartridges  to  a  clip).     The  sight  is  graduated 
from  200  yards  to  2800  yards,  with  no  wind  gauge. 

The  weight  of  the  Lee-Enfield  Short, 

Lee-Enfield 


without  bayonet  is  8  pounds  23^2  oui^ces; 
weight  with  bayonet  fixed  9  pounds 
93^  ounces.  The  length  without  bayonet  is  3  feet 
83^2  inches;  the  length  with  bayonet  fixed  5  feet 
i^  inches.  The  caliber  is  .303,  rifling  five  turns 
in  bore.  The  magazine  contains  ten  rounds  (2 
clips),  no  magazine  cut  off;  this  insures  a  cartridge 
in  the  chamber  at  all  times.  It  sights  200  to  2800 
yards  with  no  wind  gauge. 

The  cartridge  is  the  same  for  both  models.     It 
is  3.05  inches  in  length  and  weighs  415  grains. 

The  bullet  has  a  round  nose  and  is  coated  with 


76  First  Call 

cupro-nickel,  is  i^^  inches  in  length,  and  its  great- 
est diameter  is  .311  inches;  it  weighs  215  grains. 

It  is  fired  by  a  charge  of  cordite  (smokeless  pow- 
der) weighing  31 .5  grains.  The  velocity  of  the  bullet 
as  it  leaves  the  muzzle  is  2050  feet  per  second.  It 
does  not  possess  the  velocity  and  penetrating  power 
of  our  Springfield  bullet. 

A  badly-shod  army  loses  fifty  per 

Oil06S 

cent,  of  its  efficiency.  So  be  absolutely 
sure  that  your  shoes  fit  and  are  comfortable.  Do 
not  wear  shoes  that  are  too  tight  and  cramp  the 
feet,  because  you  will  suffer  on  a  march  and  will  no 
doubt  be  required  to  go  on  sick  report.  You  must 
also  avoid  a  too  roomy  shoe, — that  is,  one  that  rubs 
and  chafes,  because  it  will  be  only  a  short  time 
before  your  feet  are  blistered  and  you  are  incapaci- 
tated. Whenever  shoes  are  issued  you,  they 
should  be  broken  in  immediately.  Wear  them 
about  camp  as  much  as  possible,  saving  the  old 
and  comfortable  ones  for  marches.  It  is  not  wise 
to  try  the  new  shoes  until  they  are  thoroughly 
broken  in.  Change  off  occasionally.  A  good 
stunt  is  to  walk  in  water  for  a  few  minutes,  being 
careful  that  the  water  is  not  more  than  two  inches 
deep.  This  will  make  the  leather  pliable.  Then 
walk  around  for  an  hour  or  so,  giving  the  shoes  a 


••Barndooks**  and  ''Hikes**  77 

chance  to  dry  while  wearing  them.  This  will 
mold  the  leather  to  fit  the  foot.  After  taking 
them  off,  get  a  little  neat's-foot  oil  and  rub  the 
shoes  thoroughly.  Do  not  use  the  oil  too  freely 
because  it  will  cause  perspiring  of  the  feet. 

Remember  that  all  socks  must  be 
made  of  wool.  Wear  the  heavy  sock. 
It  is  more  comfortable,  and  does  not  wrinkle  as 
easily  as  the  lighter  one.  It  will  last  longer  and 
absorb  perspiration  freely.  Also  be  ver}^  careful 
to  change  your  socks  as  often  as  possible.  Do  not 
wear  stiff  or  sweaty  socks. 

Keep  your  toe  nails  cut.     It  is  best 
to  have  them  close  and  square.     Be  ^^  ° 

1*661 

very  careful  in  cutting  the  toe  nails 

not  to  remove  too  much  of  the  sides,  as  this  will 

cause  ingrowing  toe  nails  and  you  will  suffer  in 

consequence. 

Be  very  careful  to  wash  the  feet  every  night. 
If  there  are  no  facilities  for  doing  this,  rub  them 
well  with  a  damp  (^loth,  finishing  up  with  a  dry 
cloth.  Continue  this  rubbing  for  about  ten  min- 
utes until  the  feet  glow.  Before  going  on  a  march 
rub  the  feet  with  whale  oil  or  grease.  Be  careful 
not  to  use  grease  containing  salt,  as  this  will  irri- 
tate the  skin.     If  no  grease  or  oil  is  handy,  use 


78  First  Call 

hard  soap.     It  is  best  to  rub  the  soap  on  the 
socks. 

Be  very  careful  in  opening  blisters.  If  you  do 
not  know  how,  see  a  hospital  corps  man  and  he 
will  do  it  for  you,  but  do  not  go  on  sick  report  to 
have  this  done.  It  is  a  good  idea  to  harden  the 
feet  by  using  foot-ease  powder.  Before  going  on 
a  long  hike  see  that  your  shoe  laces  are  good  and 
strong ;  it  is  a  wise  precaution  to  carry  an  extra  one 
with  you. 

Before  going  on  a  long  march  do  not 
fill  up  with  a  heavy  meal  but  do  not 
leave  the  camp  hungry.  It  is  best  to  carry  a  couple 
of  sandwiches  with  you.  While  marching  oc- 
casionally take  a  bite,  masticating  it  well.  Never 
take  deep  draughts  of  water  while  marching  or 
during  rests.  If  you  are  thirsty  take  a  little  water 
in  the  mouth,  just  enough  to  wet  the  throatj  keep 
it  in  your  mouth  awhile  and  then  spit  it  out.  Chew 
gum  to  allay  the  thirst,  but  do  not  keep  a  piece  in 
the  mouth  for  hours  at  a  time,  because  this  will 
exhaust  the  salivary  glands  and  will  cause  crav- 
ing for  water.  In  using  gum,  chew  it  until  the 
flavor  disappears,  then  spit  it  out.  But  do  not 
use  a  fresh  piece  until  the  mouth  again  becomes 
dry. 


••Barndooks**  and  "Hikes**  79 

Be  cheerful  while  on  the  march.  It  is  a  good 
plan  to  place  singers,  musicians,  and  jokers  at  the 
head  of  a  column.  A  mouth  organ  is  a  great  help. 
These  optimists  will  start  a  tune  and  the  men  in 
the  rest  of  the  column  will  pick  it  up  and  will  sing, 
joke,  and  be  merry,  and  the  mile  posts  will  glide 
by  unnoticed.  Keep  the  men  in  good  humor  and 
the  march  will  be  a  pleasure.  Get  them  ' '  grouchy  " 
and  they  will  complain  and  "grouse"  during  the 
whole  hike. 

Never  ask  inhabitants  the  distance  to  a  certain 
point,  because  you  will  never  get  correct  informa- 
tion, and  nothing  puts  a  marching  soldier  out  of 
good  humor  so  quickly  when  he  figures  that  he  has 
only  a  mile  to  go,  as  a  civilian's  telling  him  that  it 
is  about  five  miles  farther  down  the  road. 

When  you  return  from  the  march, 
even  though  you  are  tired,  sore,  and  ^    ^ 

dusty,  put  all  of  your  equipment  in 
order  and  then  get  busy  on  your  bed.  Make  it  as 
comfortable  as  possible.  A  good  sleep  is  very 
important  to  the  health,  comfort,  and  stajdng 
ability  of  a  soldier.  You  will  be  thankful  on  the 
next  day's  march.  Pass  a  wakeful,  cold,  and  damp 
night  trying  to  sleep  on  a  hard  bed  and  see  how 
sore  and  unhappy   you   will   feel   the  next   day. 


8o  First  Call 

About  an  hour  after  the  march  has  commenced  you 
will  curse  the  army  and  everything  connected  with 
it,  while  in  fact  you  should  be  cursing  your  own 
carelessness  or  laziness  of  the  night  previous. 


CHAPTER  X 

"sentry  go"  and  cold  steel 

IT  AVE  you  ever,  on  a  Sunday  or  a  holiday, 
visited  an  army  camp  or  post?  We  will 
assume  that  you  have.  Sundays  and  holidays 
in  the  army  are  generally  off  days — that  is,  usually 
thereare  no  drills,  fatigues,  or  parades.  The  sol- 
diers are  allowed  to  amuse  themselves  as  they  see 
fit,  provided  they  do  not  violate  certain  camp  and 
post  regulations  that  are  laid  down  for  their  be- 
havior and  guidance. 

What  impresses  you  most  on  your  visit?  This 
Is  a  hard  question  to  answer.  Everywhere  you 
see  soldiers  "taking  it  easy."  There  seems  to  be 
a  lack  of  discipline  and  efficiency.  In  your  mind 
the  question  arises, — what  would  happen  right 
now  this  very  minute,  if  the  enemy  should  sud- 
denly attack?  Every  one  seems  to  he  playing  at 
soldiering. 

How  would  the  alarm  be  given?  How  would 
the  men  be  assembled? 

6  8l 


82  First  Call 

How  would  the  situation  be  handled? 

The  answer  to  these  questions  is  simple. 

Have  you  noticed  that  solitary  figure 
The  Sentry         .,1.1  •  11  •  -.      -n 

silnoutted  against  the  sky,  with  nile  at 

the  shoulder?  He  doesn't  mingle  with  the  crowd, 
nor  engage  in  conversation  with  the  passers-by. 
To  the  average  observer,  he  is  aimlessly  walking 
back  and  forth  along  a  well-trodden  path.  Every 
two  hours  you  see  a  squad  of  men  in  command  of 
a  corporal  halt  a  few  paces  from  him.  He  faces 
outward,  comes  to  the  "port  arms,"  while  another 
soldier  in  company  with  the  corporal  detaches 
himself  from  the  squad  and  approaches  him,  he 
also  coming  to  "port."  They  appear  to  be  talk- 
ing, the  corporal  listening  intently.  After  a 
minute  or  so,  the  man  from  the  squad  comes  to 
"shoulder  arms"  and  marches  along  the  well- 
trodden  path  in  the  same  manner  as  his  prede- 
cessor, while  the  soldier  who  has  been  relieved 
falls  in  the  rear  of  the  squad.  A  sharp  order  from 
the  corporal  and  the  squad  moves  forward  un- 
til it  comes  to  another  one  of  these  aimlessly 
plodding  figures.  Your  questions  are  answered. 
You  have  just  witnessed  the  relief  of  a  sentry 
on  guard,  the  watchdog  of  an  army  camp,  or 
post. 


•'Sentry  Go"  and  Cold  Steel  83 

These  men  for  twenty-four  hours  are  responsible 
for  the  maintenance  of  order,  discipline,  and  the 
safety  of  the  frollicking  soldiers  on  this  holiday. 
If  the  camp  or  post  were  to  be  stationed  at  this 
particular  site  for  one  hundred  years  or  more,  a 
blade  of  grass  would  never  grow  on  these  laid 
out  paths,  or  posts,  as  they  are  called  in  the  army. 
Never,  imless  through  a  grave  breach  of  discipline, 
does  a  sentry  leave  his  post  unguarded.  In  peace 
time  the  rules  and  regiilations  covering  breaches 
of  guard  duty  are  severe;  in  war  time,  the  rules, 
regulations,  and  penalties  are  doubly  severe,  a 
grave  breach  of  guard  regulations  ofttimes  resulting 
in  a  sentence  of  death. 

When  a  soldier  in  war  time  is  posted  as  a  sentry, 
it  entails  a  grave  responsibility;  the  lives  of  his 
mates  and  the  safety  of  his  company  rest  upon  his 
vigilance  and  intelligence.  It  is  the  duty  of  such 
a  sentry  to  safeguard  his  post,  and,  in  case  of  ap- 
proaching danger,  warn  his  comrades,  even  though 
by  doing  so  he  sacrifices  his  own  life.  To  the 
recruit,  after  a  few  days'  service,  a  sentry  appears 
to  be  something  wonderful,  and  in  his  heart  he 
despairs  of  ever  acquiring  that  high  degree  of 
ability  and  efficiency  necessary  to  this  exalted 
position. 


84  First  Call 

When  he  mounts  guard  for  the  first 
ResponsibiUty  ^me,  he  does  so  in  fear  and  trembling. 
All  self-confidence  has  vanished.  The 
most  commonplace  question  from  the  officer  or 
non-commissioned  officer  of  the  guard  will  elicit 
a  stammering  and  confused  reply,  but  after  his 
twenty-four  hours'  tour  is  over,  when  he  has  been 
relieved,  and  is  sitting  on  his  bunk  or  cot,  he  will 
look  back  at  his  previous  fear  in  an  altogether 
different  light.  The  things  which  at  that  time 
seemed  so  important  will  shrink  into  insignificance, 
and  he  will  look  forward  to  his  next  "Sentry  Go," 
not  as  something  to  be  dreaded,  but  as  a  welcome 
change  from  the  ordinary  routine  of  the  camp. 
He  has  learned  the  lesson  that  a  soldier  is  at  his 
best  when  individual  responsibility  is  placed  upon 
him.  It  gives  him  the  feeling  that  he  is  no  longer 
a  private  in  the  rear  rank,  or  a  mere  cog  in  the 
army  machine.  He  is,  in  fact,  in  command. 
The  general  or  colonel  is  asleep.  There,  in  the 
early  hours  of  the  morning  always  on  the  qui  vive, 
the  sentry  is  safeguarding  the  sleeping  officers  and 
his  mates.  The  general  is  the  private ;  the  private 
is  the  general.  But  next  morning,  he  omits  men- 
tioning this  fact  to  the  general,  because  sentries 
also  guard  prisoners. 


•*Sentry  Go**  and  Cold  Steel  85 

A  few  pointers  to  the  recruit  mount- 
Promotion  ^'^g  guard  "at  home"  for  the  first  time 
will  not  be  amiss.  Remember  that  a 
soldier  who  is  so  efficient  on  guard  that  the  officer 
of  the  day  remarks  on  this  efficiency,  is  the  soldier 
who  later  becomes  a  non-commissioned  officer. 
Guard  duty  is  the  real  test  of  soldier  efficiency. 
On  this  detail  his  good  and  bad  qualities  are  very 
apparent.  No.  i  Post  is  the  coveted  post  of  the 
guard.  It  is  an  honor  for  a  soldier  to  be  No.  i, 
because  that  position  requires  more  intelligence  and 
efficiency  than  all  of  the  other  posts  combined. 
Soldiers  will  figure  out  in  advance  the  manner  in 
which  their  details  are  to  be  mounted,  so  that 
when  the  guard  is  counted  off  into  reliefs,  they 
will  be  the  men  who  number  "one"  at  the  guard- 
house. Among  the  new  guard  you  will  see  a 
shifting  and  changing  of  places  in  ranks,  the  poor 
soldier  swapping  No.  i  Post  for  an  easier  one. 
Don't  be  a  swapper,  unless  you  are  the  one  that  ac- 
cepts the  ' '  No.  I ' '  offer.  A  recruit  generally  knows 
a  few  days  in  advance  when  he  is  likely  to  be 
detailed  for  guard.  Get  out  your  Guard  Manual 
and  get  busy.  Learn  these  General  Orders  by 
heart.  Keep  on  pounding  at  them  so  that  you  will 
be  able  to  say  them  backwards.    This  will  help  you. 


86  First  Call 

My  general  orders  are: 
"General  ^-    To  take  charge  of  this  post  and 

Orders  "        all  government  property  in  view. 

2.  To  walk  my  post  in  a  military  manner, 
keeping  always  on  the  alert  and  observing  every- 
thing that  takes  place  within  sight  or  hearing. 

3.  To  report  all  violations  of  orders  I  am  in- 
structed to  enforce. 

4.  To  repeat  all  calls  from  posts  more  distant 
from  the  guardhouse  than  my  own. 

5.  To  quit  my  post  only  when  properly  relieved. 

6.  To  receive,  obey,  and  pass  on  to  the  senti- 
nel who  relieves  me,  all  orders  from  the  command- 
ing officer,  officer  of  the  day,  and  officers  and 
non-commissioned  officers  of  the  guard  only. 

7.  To  talk  to  no  one,  except  in  line  of  duty. 

8.  In  case  of  fire  or  disorder,  to  give  the 
alarm. 

9.  To  allow  no  one  to  commit  a  nuisance  on 
or  near  my  post. 

10.  In  any  case  not  covered  by  instructions, 
to  call  the  corporal  of  the  guard. 

11.  To  salute  all  officers,  and  all  colors  and 
standards  not  cased. 

12.  To  be  especially  watchful  at  night,  and, 
during  the  time  for  challenging,  to  challenge  all 


•'Sentry  Go*'  and  Cold  Steel  87 

persons  on  or  near  my  post,  and  to  allow  no  one 
to  pass  without  proper  authority. 

Then,  after  studying  these  carefully,  if  pos- 
sible, take  a  run  down  to  the  guardhouse,  and  ask 
the  corporal  or  sergeant  if  he  wiU  let  you  study 
the  special  orders  issued  for  the  posts.  Read  them 
all,  so  that  you  will  intelligently  understand  them, 
because  you  can  never  tell  to  what  post  you  will 
be  assigned,  after  the  guard  is  mounted. 

The  cleanest  man  at  guard  mount  is  ^  ,   , 

^  Orderly 

selected  by  the  Adjutant  to  be  Orderly 
for  the  Commanding  Officer.  This  is  a  great 
honor.  In  addition,  the  orderly  also  "gets  all 
night  in" — that  is,  he  attends  the  Commanding 
Officer — generally  the  Colonel — during  the  day, 
and  sleeps  in  quarters  at  night,  while  the  rest  of 
the  soldiers  are  waUcing  or  riding  their  posts. 
You  will  appreciate  this,  especially  if  the  night  is 
cold,  stormy,  or  rainy. 

See  that  your  equipment  is  in  perfect  order 
according  to  the  regulations  issued  by  the  Govern- 
ment. Go  out  after  Orderly  and  pretty  soon  you 
will  be  a  non-commissioned  officer.  At  guard 
mounting  during  the  inspection  of  the  guard  by 
the  Adjutant,  a  soldier  must  be  alert  and  wary 
for   many   tricks   are   used.     If   the   Adjutant   is 


88  First  Call 

closely  inspecting  you  with  a  view  of  picking  you 

for  Orderly  and  he  asks,  "What  is  the  matter  with 

your  shoe,  your  belt,  your  bayonet  (or  any  part 

of  your  equipment?)"  do  not  look  down  at  that 

particular  piece  of  equipment.     Answer  him  with 

your  head  and  eyes  straight  to  the  front.     If  you 

have  relinquished  the  position  of  attention  in  any 

way,  your  chances  of  Orderly  v/ill  quickly  fade. 

^    ^      ^  On  guard  be  self-confident;  remem- 

On  Guard 

ber  that  you  and  you  alone  are  in  charge 
of  your  post,  and  that  no  one  in  the  post  has 
authority  to  give  you  orders,  except  a  command- 
ing officer,  an  officer,  or  non-commissioned  of- 
ficer of  the  guard.  You  are  the  "Boss"  and 
should  be  strictly  following  your  general  and 
special  orders.  While  walking  post  at  night, 
especially  if  it  is  cold  and  black  and  stormy,  you 
will  be  sorely  tempted  to  take  a  chance  and  leave 
your  post  for  some  quiet  shelter,  figuring  out  that 
the  officer  of  the  day  or  non-commissioned  officer 
of  the  guard  will  not  be  around, — but  remember 
that  when  you  take  this  chance  then  is  the  time 
that  the  officer  of  the  day  or  "non-com "  hits  your 
post.  "Your  belt  is  pulled"  and  into  the  guard- 
house you  go, — then  comes  a  court-martial,  fol- 
lowed by  a  severe  sentence  of  fine  or  imprisonment. 


"Sentry  Go**  and  Cold  Steel  89 

While  walking  post  at  night  do  not  look  at 
your  watch,  because  the  time  will  seem  twice  as 
long.  Be  cheerful  on  guard,  because  a  grouchy 
guard  means  twenty-four  hours  of  confusion  and 
misery.  But  in  France  will  come  the  real  respon- 
sibility of  guard  duty.  Do  not  forget  that  there 
a  negligence  which  seems  trifling  in  your  eyes, 
may  result  in  valuable  information  to  the  enemy, 
the  loss  of  the  lives  of  your  comrades  or  the  de- 
struction of  your  command, — and  do  not  forget 
that  this  dereliction  of  duty  is  piinishahle  by  death. 

Before    he    gets    through    with    his 

....        1       TT    •      1    o  The  Bayonet 

trammg  period  m  the  United  btates, 

many  a  draftman  will  heartily  curse  that  knife- 
like contrivance  which  so  snugly  fits  on  the  end 
of  his  rifle.  It  has  a  habit  of  getting  rusty,  and 
causing  the  owner  to  land  on  fatigue.  If  it  is 
rusty  on  too  many  occasions  the  owner  is  liable 
to  view  the  outside  world  from  behind  the  bars  of 
the  guardhouse.  If  he  docs  land  in  the  "mill," 
strange  to  say,  he  does  not  blame  his  own  careless- 
ness but  shifts  the  responsibility  of  his  imprison- 
ment on  the  Government,  censuring  it  for  not 
issuing  a  non-rustable  bayonet.  Then  again, 
while  drilling  with  fixed  bayonets,  if  he  is  in  the 
rear  rank  it  will  need  constant  dodging  on  his  part 


90  First  Call 

to  avoid  the  bayonet  of  the  man  in  front  of  him. 
Perhaps  during  bayonet  fighting  drill  he  will  be 
required  to  hold  the  position  of  guard,  while  the 
instructor  is  explaining  to  some  "juniper"  that  a 
bayonet  is  not  for  the  purpose  of  stabbing  custard 
pies,  but  is  to  be  used  only  to  let  daylight  through 
a  German;  therefore  it  is  up  to  said  "juniper"  to 
get  a  little  weight  behind  his  thrust.  The  man  in 
the  position  of  guard  is  just  beginning  to  discover 
that  he  possesses  muscles  that  he  never  before 
dreamed  of.  These  muscles  are  under  quite  a 
strain  and  hurt  worse  than  a  toothache. 

Trench  warfare  is  like  fighting  over  the  long 
distance  telephone,  until  the  soldier  gets  the  chance 
to  go  "over  the  top"  in  a  charge  and  comes  face 
to  face  with  the  enemy.  When  this  happens  and 
he  sees  a  great  big  German  in  front  of  him  that 
bayonet  instead  of  being  a  heavy,  clumsy  affair 
seems  to  the  man  like  a  needle  stuck  in  a  cork. 
Then,  perhaps,  while  in  this  unenviable  position,  a 
feeling  of  regret  and  remorse  passes  through  him 
that  he  did  not  put  his  whole  heart  and  soul  into 
his  bayonet  fighting  back  in  "Blighty."  When 
you  are  hand  to  hand  with  an  enemy,  your  life 
depends  on  the  quick  and  proper  use  of  your  bayo- 
net, so  therefore  my  advice  to  you  is:  while  in 


"Sentry  Go**  and  Cold  Steel  91 

training  put  your  whole  heart  and  soul  into  bayonet 
drill. 

When  engaged  with  an  enemy,  you  do  not  re- 
member points,  thrusts,  jabs,  and  guarding,  as 
laid  down  in  your  training,  but  these  things  will 
come  to  you  mechanically.  You  just  naturally 
do  them, — that  is,  if  you  have  not  shirked  on 
your  training. 

I  do  not  intend  to  go  into  the  methods  of  bayonet 
fighting,  because  it  is  unnecessary.  You  will 
learn  that  in  your  training  from  much  more  com- 
petent instructors  than  I.  But  I  must  speak 
of  one  great  advantage  we  have:  the  German  is 
deathly  afraid  of  cold  steel.  He  is  a  good  artillery- 
man, machine  gunner,  bomber,  and  long  distance 
fighter,  but  when  he  sees  that  polished  knife  in 
front  of  him,  it  is  generally  "both  hands  up  in  the 
air."  Squeahng  like  a  pig  he  will  shout, — "  Mercy 
Kamerad";  hut  when  he  surrenders  take  no 
chances, — do  not  in  any  way  put  yourself  at  a 
disadvantage,  because  if  he  has  a  chance  he  will 
get  you — that  is  one  of  the  lessons  he  has  learned 
from  Kultur.  Sometimes  it  is  necessary  to  kill 
a  snake  so  I  will  leave  it  to  your  own  judgment. 


CHAPTER  XI 

"what   shall   I   SEND   HIM?" 

\/0U  are  sitting  in  your  tent  in  Spartanburg, 
■■■  Yaphank,  or  any  one  of  our  North  American 
camps;  the  Mail  Orderly  throws  in  a  large  parcel 
from  home, — you  are  delighted,  the  rest  of  the 
fellows  crowd  around  as  you  open  up  the  package. 
You  feel  kind  of  chesty  attracting  so  much  inter- 
est— yes,  even  the  corporal  is  looking  on.  Into 
the  parcel  goes  your  hand,  out  it  comes,  and  in 
your  fist  is  a  pair  of  pink  pajamas.  A  snicker  runs 
around  the  circle  of  onlookers,  then  it  bursts  out 
into  a  barrage  of  jokes  all  aimed  at  you  and  your 
pink  pajamas!  It  makes  you  feel  "punk";  in 
anger  you  throw  them  at  the  bimch;  there  is  a 
scramble  for  them.  You  are  surprised  that  they 
want  them. 

Later  on  you  find  out  the  reason. 

Don't  Send      -r>-    i  •  i  11      4. 

Pink  Pajamas  ^^^^  pajamas  make  excellent  gun  rags. 
It  wasn't  the  fault  of  the  people  at 

home, — your  dear  old  mother  did  not  want   you 

92 


••What  Shall   I  Send  Him?"  93 

to  appear  ridiculous  in  the  eyes  of  your  mates,  she 
just  didn't  know  what  to  send. 

A  list  of  the  things  that  experience  has  proven 
useful  may  be  a  help  to  the  mother  and  the  rest  of 
the  family,  and  a  godsend  to  the  boy  in  camp  and 
at  the  front,  so  I  append  it. 

(But  don't  overload  yourself,  pick  out  a  few  that 
you  want  and  need  most.  You  won't  have  to 
throw  them  away  when  leaving  for  France.  If  you 
do,  3''0u  are  a  mighty  poor  soldier  and  have  not 
learned  the  tricks  of  the  trade.  A  word  to  the 
wise  is  sufficient.) 

Balaclava    helmet.     Belts  (leather). 
Books       (military      and     otherwise).  ^^lf\ 

Brushes  (hair).  Buttons  (patent 
bachelor  press).  Candy  (chocolate,  licorice 
gum  drops).  Canned  heat.  Cascara  pills. 
Chewing  gum.  Cigar  case.  Cigar  lighters. 
Combs.  Compasses.  Diaries  (leather  or  cloth). 
Envelopes.  Eye  rings  (to  fasten  military  buttons) . 
Field  glasses.  Flash-lights.  Fountain  pen  with 
safety  clip.  Gloves  (woolen,  with  thumb  and 
fingers  cut  off  at  second  joint  for  drill,  also  warm 
woolen  gloves  for  off  duty).  Handkerchiefs 
(red,  blue,  or  khaki).  Housewifes.  Jack-knives 
with    can   ojx^ner   attached.     Lanyards    (braided 


94  First  Call 

leather).  Match-box  (metal,  to  hold  ordinary 
box  of  matches).  Mirror  (small,  metal  trench 
mirror).  Money.  Money  belts.  Mouth  organs. 
Nail  clippers.  Neckerchiefs.  Note-books  (leather). 
Pencils  (indelible).  Pipes.  Playing  cards.  Pow- 
der (foot  ease).  Pocket  chess  and  checker 
boards.  Razors  (safety,  old-fashioned  and  com 
razors).  Razor  strap.  Rubber  attachment  for 
Bull  Durham  sacks.  Safety  pins.  Safety  razor 
blades.  Sauce  "A  i."  Scissors  (pocket,  with 
blunt  tips).  Shaving  sets.  Shaving-soap,  stick. 
Shaving  glass  (heavy).  Shoes  (tennis  or  gymna- 
sium, high,  white  or  black,  canvas-topped,  rubber- 
soled).  Shoe-laces  (leather).  Sketching  mater- 
ials and  outfits.  Spirit  stoves.  Soap,  Ivory. 
Socks  (wool).  Soap  box.  Sponge  (rubber,  for  bath- 
ing). Stationery  case  (khaki — containing  paper, 
envelopes,  and  diary).  Sweaters  and  sweater 
coats.  Talcum  powder.  Thermos  bottles.  To- 
bacco pouches.  Tooth-brushes  and  holders. 
Tooth-paste.  Towels.  Underwear  (light,  sleeve- 
less knee-length  for  summer,  and  wool  for  winter). 
Vaseline.  Watch  chains.  Watch  cases  (Aluminum 
preferred  to  gold  or  silver  watches).  Whetstone 
(for  razor  blades  and  knife) .  Wrist  watches,  with 
illuminated  dials.    Wrist -watch  straps.    Wristlets. 


•What  Shall  I  Send  Him?** 


95 


Writing   paper    (tablets,    narrow-size    envelopes) 
AND  Smokes  !  !  ! 
Don't    send    stamps.      Soldiers    on  -.    ^,    , 

For  the  Love 
active  service  do  not  pay  postage.  of  Mike 

DonH     send     white     handkerchiefs.  ^^^'^ 

They  are  dangerous,  as  they  are  easily  observed 
by  the  enemy. 

Don't  send  jam,  cheese,  or  canned  meats,  as  the 
Tommies  and  Sammies  will  be  "fed  up"  on  these. 

Don't  send  light  socks ;  they  are  worthless. 

Don't  send  cooling  drink  extracts;  they  are 
injurious,  especially  on  the  march. 

Don't  write  saying  you  expect  him  to  win  a 
Medal  of  Honor  or  become  a  general  within  a 
week.     He  won't. 

The  Balaclava  helmet  is  very  com- 
fortable in  winter  time,  especially  ^  Few  More 
when  wearing  the  "tin  hat,"  or  steel 
helmet.  It  consists  of  a  woolen  headpiece,  cover- 
ing the  top  of  head,  ears,  back  of  neck,  cheeks,  and 
front  of  the  neck.  The  neck-piece  should  be  long 
enough  to  go  well  below  the  collar  of  the  blouse. 
There  should  be  strings  to  tie  below  the  chin. 

Woolen  gloves  should  be  fingerless  and  thumb- 
less  so  that  the  soldier  may  work  his  rifle  without 
removing  his  gloves. 


96  First  Call 

Send  plenty  of  large  handkerchiefs,  dark  red, 
dark  blue,  or  khaki- colored. 

Watches  can  have  illuminated  dials  but  not  il- 
luminated numbers,  as  these  are  dangerous  when 
reconnoitering  in  No  Man's  Land.  The  best  sort 
to  send  is  the  one  with  a  little  dot  of  radium  over 
each  number  and  a  large  dot  below  the  XII. 

If  the  boy  uses  a  safety  razor,  send  him  blades 
frequently,  as  they  are  so  easily  lost  in  the 
trenches.   • 

The  soldier  can  easily  obtain  ink,  so  send  him  a 
fountain  pen. 

Indelible,  soft  lead  pencils  are  useful  for  marking 
equipment  and  personal  belongings. 

A  bottle  of  sauce  will  make  the  ever-present 
"Canned  Willie"  palatable. 

Chocolate  and  licorice  gum  drops  relieve  the 
monotony  of  rations. 

Mustard,  pickles,  and  pickled  walnuts  are  fine. 

As  the  soldier  seldom  sews  on  a  button,  patent 
bachelor  press  buttons  are  mighty  useful — so  are 
patent-clamp  buttons. 

Be  sure  and  send  a  pair  of  tennis  or  "gym" 
shoes,  rubber-soled,  with  high  tops,  white  or  black. 
The  higher  they  are  the  better.  Send  him,  7iot 
a  cheap  pair  but  ones  that  will  last.     These  shoes 


'•What  Shall  I  Send  Him?'*  97 

will  rest  his  feet  when  returning  from  tours  in  the 
trenches  and  long  hikes. 

Occasionally  enclose  a  book  with  a  punch. 

If  in  doubt  what  to  send  in  the  eating  line,  send 
money — it  is  always  welcome. 

In  sending  letters,  always  be  cheery, — he  has 
plenty  of  trouble  at  the  front,  without  additional 
worries  over  those  at  home. 

If  he  gets  in  trouble,  sympathize  with  him. 
Never  knock. 

Keep  your  over-enthusiastic  friends  from  sending 
letters  that  point  out  the  way  to  Heaven.  Their 
advice  is  well  meant  but  bores  Sammy.  There  are 
plenty  of  fine  chaplains  at  the  front. 

Send  him  your  love,  trust,  and  well  wishes. 

Do?iH  forget  him  on  his  birthday. 

Even  though  he  didn't  smoke  at  home,  he  wUl 

now,  so 

Send  Smokes  and  plenty  of  them  ! 

I'll  try  to  tell  you  why  in  the  following  chapter. 
7 


CHAPTER  XII 
"smokes" 

OUR  boys,  Uncle  Sam's  boys,  are  fighting  in 
France. 

Think    it    over. 

They  are  not  in  camp  for  ten  days ;  they  are  not 
on  the  Mexican  Border;  they  are  not  driUing  in 
armories. 

They  are  fighting  in  the  trenches. 

Many  of  them  will  never  again  see  their  homes, 
this  beautiful  God's  country  of  theirs  and  ours. 
They  will  die,  and  be  buried,  thousands  of  miles 
away,  with  a  little  wooden  cross  at  the  head  of  a 
mound  of  dirt,  to  mark  their  fall.  In  time,  the 
elements  will  destroy  this  cross  and  perhaps  a 
bursting  shell  will  level  that  mound  of  dirt. 

They  are  dead.     Are  they  forgotten  in  death? 

You  know  they  died  for  their  beloved  Stars  and 
Stripes.  Sacrificed  all  for  their  flag  and  us.  Yes, 
— gave  their  lives  for  us,  we,  who  are  here  at  home, 
eating  our  three  squares  a  day,  sleeping  in  our 


•*Smokes** 


99 


comfortable  beds.  Although  we  are  doing,  or  are 
trying  to  do  our  bit,  still  we  are  not  wet,  cold,  and 
muddy;  we  are  not  bleeding;  we  are  comfortable 
physically,  though  our  hearts  are  wrenched. 
These  boys  of  ours  are  uncomfortable  physically, 
and  there  is  also  a  tugging  at  their  heart-strings. 
They  are  longing  for  mother,  father,  brother, 
sister,  wife,  or  sweetheart,  and  perhaps  their  little 
ones. 

The  cry  rings  throughout  the  land,  "Ameri- 
cans do  your  bit!"  Send  our  boys  ammunition, 
food,  guns,  bayonets,  and  the  things  necessary  to 
win  this  war  for  us. 

Quite    right — send     them,    but    what    about 

SMOKES? 

We  all  know  a  soldier's  work  is  to  destroy  and 
kill,  so  that  we  may  live. 

This  work  to  him  is  repulsive.  He  is  not  a 
murderer;  he  does  not  revel  in  bloodshed.  He  is 
HUMAN.  He  doesn't  want  to  work  all  the  time.  He 
needs  play,  recreation,  and  comfort  just  as  we  do. 

He  wants  a  smoke — is  dying  for  one.    His 

OVERSTRAINED  NERVES  NEED  ONE. 

These  are  facts,  not  theory.  I  know.  I  have 
been  in  the  trenches  and  craved  the  comfort  of  a 
good,  delicious  smoke — and  didn't  get  it. 


100  First  Call 

Perhaps  you  will  say, ' '  My  boy  is  over  there  and 
he  doesn't  smoke." 

Don't  fool  yourself, — after  he  has  "sat  it  out" 
on  the  fire  step  of  a  front-line  trench  for  a  few- 
days,  he  will  smoke.     He  can't  help  it. 

The  public,  to  be  convinced,  must  have  facts. 
Well,  here  are  some  facts,  actual  happenings  in 
the  trenches  of  France,  and  in  hospitals.  These 
incidents  will  show  the  crying  need  of  the  soldiers 
for  smokes. 

Are  we  going  to  send  them  some,  or  are  we 
going  to  let  them  keep  on  longing? 

SMOKES? 

A  wounded  Tommy  Atkins  is  lying 

Every w  ere    ^^    ^^^    ground,    the    blood    running 

in  France  °  ° 

from  a  hole  in  his  leg  made  by  a  bit  of 

shrapnel ;  he  is  yelling  for  stretcher-bearers.  Here 
they  come  at  the  double.  They  stop  beside  him, 
place  the  stretcher  on  the  ground,  open  it  up,  and 
one  of  them  unbuttons  a  little  pouch  he  is  carrying. 
He  sticks  in  his  hand  and  pulls  out — no,  not  a  ban- 
dage— but  a  smoke.  Hands  it  to  the  wounded 
Tommy,  who  is  grinning.  The  grin  makes  cracks 
in  the  dried  mud  on  his  face — then  the  following 
conversation  ensues : 


••Smokes*'  loi 

Stretcher-bearer:  "Want  a  smoke?  Where  are 
you  hit?" 

Tommy:     "Yes.     In  the  leg." 

The  stretcher-bearer  Hghts  the  smoke,  binds  up 
Tommy's  wound,  and  placing  him  on  the  stretcher, 
the  two  Red  Cross  men,  start  with  him  on  their 
way  to  the  nearest  advanced  dressing  station. 
Wending  their  way  through  the  muddy  and 
n9,rrow  communication  trench,  the  leading 
stretcher-bearer  stumbles  over  a  trench  grid, — 
down  he  goes,  and  Tommy  is  nearly  dumped  into 
the  mud. 

He  lets  out  a  yell. 

The  offending  stretcher-bearer,  red  faced  and 
ashamed  of  his  carelessness,  in  a  nervous  voice 
inquires : 

"Did  I  'urt  your  wound,  mate?     I'm  sorry." 

Tommy  answers:     "'Ell  no!" 

The  stretcher-bearer,  indignantly: 

"Well,  wot's  all  the  bloody  row  about?" 

Tommy  meekly : 

"I  dropped  me  smoke,  mate,  tip  us  another." 

The  stretcher-bearers  search  their  pouches  and 
pockets,  but  find  none. 

The  stretcher,  with  its  bleeding  burden,  resumes 
its  winding  course  through  the  trench,  its  wake 


102  First  Call 

blue  with  curses  and  sarcastic  remarks  from 
Tommy  directed  at  the  stretcher-bearers. 

If  there  had  been  another  smoke,  Tommy  would 
have  been  contented  and  happy,  but  as  it  was  he 
was  miserable  and  complaining,  making  it  un- 
pleasant for  everyone  who  handled  him  in  his 
long  trip  to  "Blighty." 

But  such  is  the  creed  of  the  trenches, — keep  our 
boys  warm,  their  bellies  full,  give  them  plenty  of 
smokes,  and  they  will  plant  the  flag  in  Berlin. 
Just  stop  filling  any  one  of  the  three  needs — 
especially  the  "smokes" — and  although  the  flag 
will  eventually  land  where  it  belongs,  it  wUl  take 
much  longer. 

Send  them  smokes  1 

On  another  day : 

We  had  gone  "over  the  top"  in  a  charge  early 
that  morning.  It  was  tough  sledding.  We  were 
"clicking"  casualties  so  fast  that  an  adding 
machine  was  needed  to  keep  count  of  them. 

There  were  ten  of  us, — a  machine  gun,  a  ser- 
geant, six  Vickers  machine  gunners,  and  two 
company  men  detailed  from  the  battalion  for  the 
purpose  of  bringing  up  "ammo"  (ammunition). 

Our  part  in  this  little  affair  of  "straightening 
the  line"  consisted  in  the  operation  of  a  machine 


•*Smokes**  103 

gun  to  help  break  up  the  counter  attack,  which  the 
Germans  would  launch  against  our  captured 
position. 

When  the  counter  attack  started  it  was  hot 
work.  Belt  after  belt  was  fed  through  the  gun. 
The  water  in  the  barrel  casing  was  boiling.  Shells 
were  commencing  to  drop  around  our  crater,  too 
close  for  comfort.  The  German  artillery  had 
"taped"  us  and  we  knew  it  would  only  be  a  short 
time  before  a  shell,  with  oiu*  names  and  numbers 
on  it,  would  come  screeching  over,  but  we  had  to 
hold  our  position. 

Our  ammunition  was  getting  low.  The  Ser- 
geant detailed  two  men  to  go  back  for  "ammo" — 
a  risky  job  under  that  intense  fire.  The  men  were 
about  to  start  when  one  of  the  macliine  gunners 
shouted  into  the  ear  of  the  Sergeant : 

"Don't  send  Collins,  he's  got  the  only  pipe  in 
this  bally  crowd.     Supposin'  he  gets  hit  ? " 

The  Sergeant,  with  a  look  of  mortification  on  his 
smutty  face,  replied: 

"Blime  me,  so  he  has.  I'm  a  silly  ass  to  forget 
it.  Wallace,  you  go  after  'ammo'  and,  Collins, 
you  get  on  the  gun. " 

Wallace  started  grousing  but  went.  He  got 
hit  in  the  leg.     If  he  had  had  a  pipe  he  wouldn't 


104  First  Call 

have  been  sent.     Collins  stayed  with  us — he  wasn't 
wounded. 

During  a  lull  in  the  firing  we  each  took  turns  at 
the  pipe.     We  had  our  smoke. 

Did  we  win? — well,  I  think  we  did,  I  can't 
rightly  remember,  but  an3rway,  Fritz  packed  up 
his  artillery  and  we  were  safe — but,  do  you  know? 
we  certainly  enjoyed  that  smoke. 

Send  them  smokes. 

Another  day: 

I  had  been  slightly  wounded  in  an  attack  on  the 
German  lines  and  had  been  sent  to  the  Base 
Hospital  at  Rouen. 

The  bed  next  to  mine  was  empty;  the  sheets 
were  turned  down ;  the  pillow  was  missing,  and  a 
rubber  sheet  was  stretched  across  the  center  of  the 
bed,  the  ends  of  which  were  neatly  tucked  under 
the  mattress.  It  was  my  first  time  in  a  hospital, 
but  even  to  me,  a  recruit,  it  seemed  that  that 
bed  was  specially  prepared,  was  waiting  for  some 
special  case.     I  was  right, — it  was. 

In  the  bed  on  my  left  was  a  Jock,  a  Scottie,  from 
the  15th  Royal  Scots,  or  "Ladies  from  Hell"  as 
this  particular  Highland  Regiment  was  lovingly 
called  by  Fritz,  our  neighbor  across  No  Man's 
Land.     This  Jock  had  lost  his  left  foot  from  a  shell 


••Smokes*'  105 

burst.  I  asked  him  why  the  bed  was  made  up  in 
such  a  peculiar  manner.  He  told  me  that  the 
occupant,  a  Canadian,  was  up  in  the  "pictures" 
(operating  theater)  having  both  hands  amputated 
at  the  wrists,  and  also  that  the  Canadian  had  been 
bUnded  by  an  exploding  bomb,  while  raiding  the 
German  trenches. 

In  about  half  an  hour,  four  white-clothed  order- 
lies came  down  the  ward,  carrying  a  stretcher ;  in 
the  wake  of  the  stretcher  came  a  Red  Cross  nurse. 
They  halted  before  the  unoccupied  bed  on  my 
right.  Then  I  marveled  at  the  efficient  and  gentle 
way  in  which  the  wounded  man  was  transferred 
from  the  stretcher  to  the  bed.  The  ' '  Undertaker's 
Squad"  left,  but  the  Red  Cross  nurse  sat  beside 
her  patient,  every  now  and  then  shooing  a  fly 
away  from  the  bandaged  head,  or  with  a  piece  of 
gauze  bandage,  wiping  away  the  white  froth  which 
constantly  oozed  from  the  half-open  lips  of  the 
bandaged  form. 

In  a  short  time  the  ether  began  to  die  out  and 
the  frothy  lips  twitched.  Then  a  sigh  and  the 
man  began  to  sing, — not  God  Save  the  King  or 
The  Maple  Leaf  Forever,  but — Never  Introduce  a 
Bloke  to  Your  Lady  Friend. 

Pretty    soon    this    tune    changed    to    a    shout 


io6  First  Call 

of  "Ammo!  [Ammunition]  Ammo!  Ammo  for- 
ward!" You  could  hear  him  all  over  the  ward. 
The  nurse  started  to  sing  a  crooning  little  lullaby. 
The  shouting  ceased.  Further  twitching  and 
twisting  and  the  ether  was  expelled  into  an  ever 
ready  little  receptacle  held  in  the  hands  of  the 
nurse.  In  a  few  minutes,  rays  of  consciousness 
penetrated  to  the  brain  of  the  wounded  man  and 
he  started  to  mutter: 

"Turn  on  the  lights,  it's  dark — it's  dark! — I 
can't  see — it's  dark — dark! — Take  that  damned 
pillow  ojff  my  head — it's  dark — dark — I  tell  you! 
What's  the  matter  with  my  mitts? — they're  tied — 
cobblestones  on  them! — Where  am  I? — Smokey, 
this  dugout's  dark — switch  on  the  glim!" 

The  nurse  was  talking  to  him  in  a  low  voice  and 
crooning  her  lullaby.  My  God,  how  that  girl 
could  sing! 

It  was  not  long  before  the  blinded  soldier  fell 
asleep.  He  slept  for  three  hours,  the  nurse  beside 
him;  not  for  a  second  did  she  leave  her  post.  I 
inwardly  wished  that  the  patient  would  sleep  for 
hours  longer.  The  presence  of  that  nurse  made 
me  feel  happy  and  contented  all  over. 

The  form  on  the  bed  stirred  and  then  in  a 
plaintive  voice: 


'•Smokes**  107 

"Where  am  I?  Where  am  I?  Turn  on  the 
Hghts !     Turn  on  the  lights ! " 

The  sun  was  streaming  through  the  window. 

The  nurse  was  crying.  So  was  I.  The  Jock 
on  my  left  was  softly  cursing  to  himself. 

The  angel  of  mercy  leaned  over  her  patient  and 
in  a  low  voice  whispered  to  him: 

"Never  mind,  dearie,  you  are  in  the  hospi- 
tal, and  will  soon  be  in  Blighty  for  a  nice  long 
rest. " 

The  Canadian's  mouth  twitched,  I  thought  he 
was  going  to  cry.  It  was  a  pretty  mouth,  but  the 
lips  were  blanched  to  a  bluish  white. 

He  asked  the  nurse : 

"What  time  is  it?" 

She  answered  "Three  o'clock,  dearie;  try  and  go 
to  sleep,  you'll  feel  better  soon." 

The  Canadian  asked  in  a  piteous  voice,  "Why  is 
it  so  dark? "  Then  he  shouted  in  a  terror-stricken 
voice,  "I  know — I  know — they've  put  my  lights 
out!  Good  God,  I'm  blind!— I'm  blind!— My 
eyes  are  gone — gone — gone!" — and  his  voice  died 
out  in  a  long  sob. 

Three  doctors  came  through  and  held  a  low- 
voiced  consultation.  Two  of  them,  left,  one 
stayed. 


io8  First  Call 

The  Jock  whispered  to  me:  "Poor  bloke,  he's 
'going  west.'     I  know  the  signs. " 

The  dying  man  began  to  mutter.  The  nurse 
bent  over  him.  She  had  a  writing  pad  and  a 
pencil  in  her  hand ;  she  whispered  to  him :  "Dearie, 
the  mail  is  going  out,  do  you  want  me  to  write  a 
note  home  to  the  folks?  Just  a  short  note  telling 
them  that  you  are  all  right  and  will  be  with  them 
in  a  couple  of  months?" 

The  patient  answered : 

"Home?  Folks?  I've  never  had  any  since  I 
was  a  kid.  Home! — God,  T  wish  I  had  one!" 
The  writing  pad  in  the  nurse's  hand  was  wet. 
The  bandage  on  my  shoulder  was  wet, — perhaps 
the  blood  was  soaking  through,  but  blood  is  red. 

The  voice  of  the  wounded  man  again :  "  I  want — 
want — I  ¥7ant  a " 

The  nurse:  "What  do  you  want,  boy,  what  can 
I  get  for  you — a  nice  cool  drink? !' 

The  answer  came  back: 

"A  drink? — hell  no!— I  want  a  smoke — where's 
my  makin's? — I  want  a  fag — a  smoke — a  smoke!" 

She  looked  at  the  doctor.  He  nodded.  She  left 
the  patient  and  came  over  to  me.  I  felt  as  if  I 
were  in  the  presence  of  God.  She  whispered  to 
me:  " Have  you  a  cigarette,  my  dear,  for  that  poor 


**Smokes**  109 

boy?  We  are  all  out — have  not  received  any  for 
ten  days.  If  the  people  at  home  only  realized 
what  a  Godsend  smokes  are  for  these  poor  wounded 
lads,  they  would  send  them  out.  They  are  as 
important  as  shells." 

I  told  her  to  look  in  my  kit  bag.  She  looked 
through  it  and  found  one,  all  out  of  shape — a 
Goldflake.  I  think  it  was  the  only  smoke  left 
in  that  ward  of  sixty-nine  patients. 

With  joy  in  her  eyes  she  went  back  to  her 
patient,  gently  put  the  cigarette  between  his  lips 
and  lighted  it. 

A  contented  sigh,  two  or  three  weak  puffs,  and 
the  lighted  cigarette  fell  out  of  his  mouth  on  to  the 
sheet.     He  was  asleep. 

It  was  getting  late;  I  fell  asleep.  When  I  woke 
it  was  morning. 

The  bed  on  my  right  was  empty.  The  nurses 
in  the  ward  had  red  eyes.     They  had  been  crying. 

I  turned  an  inquiring  gaze  to  the  Jock  on  my 
left.  He  solemnly  nodded  and  his  mouth  twitched. 
I  thought  he  was  going  to  cry,  but  suddenly  he 
looked  at  me,  tears  in  his  eyes,  and  said,  "Aw, 
go  to  hell!"  and  turned  over  on  his  side. 

Do  the  men  in  the  trenches  want  smokes? 

Do  they  want  their  mothers? 


no  First  Call 

Do  they  want  their  wives  and  sweethearts? 

Do  they  want  the  fields  and  flowers  at  home? 

Do  they  want  smokes? 

God!  do  they  want  them?  They  need  them! 
They  cry  for  them !     They  must  have  them ! 

Americans,  if  you  could  only  see  with  your  own 
eyes,  you  would  realize  the  crying  need  for  smokes 
in  France,  and  you  would  starve  in  order  that 
they  could  have  them. 

Do  your  bit — send  contributions  to  the  "Smoke 
Fund"  and  win  the  gratitude  and  thanks  of  the 
boys  who  are  fighting  your  fight — our  fight — 
Uncle  Sam's  fight — the  civihzed  world's  fight. 

Let  your  slogan  be : 

*  *  Smokes    for    Sammy  I '  * 

— and  turn  the  words  into  actions.  Do  it  now.  We 
are  waiting  for  your  contribution.  How  would 
you  have  liked  to  have  been  the  one  who  fur- 
nished that  smoke  for  the  dying  man?  You  can 
be  for  another.  Will  you?  The  answer  is, — you 
are  an  American,  that  means  Yes. 


CHAPTER  XIII 


ALL  ABOARD 


AFTER  spending  several  months  of  hard  and 
intensive  training  in  a  cantonment,  rumors 
that  your  outfit  is  to  leave  for  the  front  will  spring 
up  over  night  like  mushrooms.  Each  rumor  will 
send  a  thrill  of  expectancy  through  you — life 
after  all  is  worth  living, — you  write  a  letter  home 
saying  "Good-bye"  and — the  rumor  fizzles  out. 
After  you  have  been  fooled  several  times  in  this 
manner  you  become  skeptical. 

Then   some   day   your   sergeant    (of 
course  in  strict  confidence)  will  impart  Alarms 

the  information  that  the  outfit  is  to 
move,  because  the  general's  orderly  heard  the 
adjutant  direct  the  sergeant  major  to  inform  the 
company  commanders  and  first  sergeants  to 
submit  reports  of  the  strength  of  their  commands 
and  to  have  a  special  inspection  of  equipment. 
You   (also   in    confidence)    with   a   knowing   and 


112  First  Call 

important  air  tell  your  bunkie  these  glad  tidings. 
In  about  an  hour  the  whole  company  is  excited 
and  on  pins  and  needles.  The  reports  are  sub- 
mitted and  the  inspection  takes  place  but — you  do 
not  move. 

Rumor  follows  rumor — with  disappointment 
tacked  to  the  end  of  each.  You  become  "fed 
up." 

But  at  last  the  eventful  day  arrives.  At 
morning  drill  the  officers  appear  to  be  excited, 
give  foolish  commands;  they  fairly  burst  with 
suppressed  eagerness  and  excitement.  This  feel- 
ing is  communicated  to  the  men  and  runs  through 
the  ranks  like  an  electric  current.  They  know 
something  important  is  going  to  happen;  they  can 
smell  it  in  the  air.  The  ranks  stiffen  and  the 
manual  of  arms  is  executed  with  a  vim  and 
snap  that  has  long  been  missing.  Each  soldier  is 
saying  to  himself:  "Right  after  the  manual  of 
arms,  the  old  man  is  going  to  tip  us  off  to  what's 
in  the  air. " 

The  manual  of  arms  is  finished  and  you  open 
ranks  for  bayonet  fighting  drill.  Bitter  dis- 
appointment again — you  cast  a  scornful  and  re- 
proachful look  in  the  direction  of  your  captain. 
Then   yoiu*   hope   revives   and   you   say:  "Right 


•*AiI  Aboard**  113 

after  bayonet  fighting  we  get  the  glad  tidings," 
and  you  thrust  and  jab  as  if  there  really  were  a 
Fritz  in  front  of  you.  Nothing  happens ;  ' '  Recall 
sounds;  yotir  heart  hits  the  zero  mark.  The 
company  is  marched  off,  a  look  of  personal  injury 
and  indignation  on  the  faces  of  the  men.  The 
company  reaches  its  barracks  thoroughly  disgusted. 

"What's  that?  The  captain  wants  to  say  a 
few  words  to  the  men?  Well,  for  the  love  of  Mike, 
why  doesn't  he  spit  'em  out,  what's  he  waiting 
for?" 

"Men,  we  break  camp  to-morrow  morning  at 
ten.  We're  off  at  last.  The  regiment  will  entrain 
at  three  o'clock  for  an  Atlantic  port.  Our 
chance  has  come  to  show  what's  in  us.  I  know 
every  officer  and  man  in  the  company  will  make 
good.     Dismissed." 

Cheers  ring  out,  hats  are  thrown  in  the  air,  and 
the  captain  walks  away,  with  shoulders  back,  and 
tears  of  pride  for  the  company,  his  compan}'-, 
dimming  his  eyes. 

Then  comes  a  succession  of  railroad  journeys, 
loading  and  unloading  cars,  until  at  last  you 
arrive  at  the  dock,  and  there  alongside  looms  up 
a  monstrous  floating  hotel.  It  is  the  transport 
which  is  to  convey  you  "over  there. " 


114  First  Call 

After  many  exasperating  delays  you 

oll^lank  fi^^^^y  g°  ^P  ^^®  gangplank;  you  have 
now  left  terra  firma  and  at  last  feel 
the  boards  of  a  ship's  deck  under  your  feet. 
Perhaps  for  the  first  time  you  are  on  the  sea. 
You  sure  will  be  seasick.  This  is  one  of  the 
meanest  sensations  that  can  be  imagined.  During 
this  sickness  everything  appears  a  deep  indigo 
blue  color.  Nothing  matters, — death  seems  wel- 
come. Can't  eat  and  don't  want  to.  Telling 
you  to  be  cheerful  during  this  malady  is  worse 
than  useless.  There  is  no  preventative,  except  to 
stay  on  deck  and  hug  the  rail.  After  a  couple  of 
days  this  sickness  will  pass  away  and  you  will  be 
famished.  Go  to  it  and  make  up  for  lost  time. 
If  some  old  sailor  comes  near  while  you  are  in  the 
throes  of  seasickness,  and  suggests  that  you  take 
a  big  fat  piece  of  pork,  tie  it  to  a  string,  swallow 
it,  and  then  repeat  the  movement  two  or  three 
times,  pay  no  attention  to  him,  although  way 
down  in  your  soul  you  vow  to  kill  him  when  you 
get  well.  It  is  a  funny  thing  but  true  that  when 
you  do  recover,  this  same  old  sailor  will  stiU  be 
alive  and  you  will  find  yourself  laughing  and 
joking  with  him. 

When  you  leave  the  land  for  the  sea  there  is 


••All  Aboard**  115 

an  entire  new  language  to  learn.  A  few  of  the 
ordinary  nautical  terms  may  help  you  from  be- 
traying that  you  are  making  your  first  trip. 

You  go  on  board  a  ship  by  means  of 
a  "gangplank."      The  right  side  of  a  Therms 

ship  is  called  the  "starboard"  side; 
the  left  side,  the  "port"  side.  The  front  of  the 
ship  is  known  as  "forward,"  the  rear  as  "aft." 
Do  not  say  you  are  going  downstairs,  but  use 
the  term  "going  below."  "Going  above"  means 
upstairs;  "aloft" — in  the  rigging.  At  night,  a 
green  light  is  displayed  on  the  starboard;  red  on 
the  port. 

Every  half  hour  the  ship's  bell  rings  out  the 
time,  one  stroke  of  the  bell  denoting  a  half -hour. 
The  time  is  set  from  meridian,  one  bell  meaning 

12.30  P.M. 


1.30 

2  o'clock 


1  bell  12.30  P.M. 

2  bells  one  o'clock 

3 
4 

5  ■■     2.30 

6  "     3  o'clock 

7  "     3-30 

8  "     4  o'clock 


ii6  First  Call 

then  in  the  next  watch : 

1  bell    4.30 

2  bells  5  o'clock 

3  "     5-30 

4  "     6  o'clock 

5  "     6.30 
etc.,  etc., 

repeating  every  four  hours  (or  every  "watch"). 

When  you  get  on  the  transport  a 

At  Sea 

numbered  billet,  on  which  to  swing 
your  hammock,  and  a  fire  station  will  be  assigned 
to  each  man,  also  a  place  in  a  lifeboat  or  on  a 
catamaran.  After  settling  down,  get  your  life 
preserver,  examine  it  thoroughly,  and  see  that 
none  of  the  straps  are  missing  and  that  they  are 
sound.  Adjust  the  life  preserver  on  your  person 
several  times,  until  you  can  readily  put  it  on  in 
the  dark  or  in  the  midst  of  confusion.  Go  to  your 
lifeboat  and  fix  in  your  mind  the  easiest  and 
quickest  way  to  reach  it.  This  may  save  you  if 
the  ship  should  founder.  Then  forget  about  sub- 
marines and ' '  carry  on  "  with  your  ordinary  routine. 
At  night,  strict  orders  are  issued  that  no  lights 
be  shown.  The  port  holes  will  be  screened. 
While  on  deck  at  night  avoid  lighting  matches,  or 
smoking  cigarettes,  cigars,   and  pipes, — the  glow 


••All  Aboard"  117 

will  inform  lurking  submarines  of  the  ship's 
whereabouts.  The  trip  across  will  probably  be 
very  tame  and  disappointing.  But  when  the 
shores  of  France  loom  up  in  the  distance,  you 
will  be  all  enthusiasm  and  eagerness  to  disembark. 
No  doubt  you  will  lie  alongside  for  hours  before 
you  actually  can  leave  the  ship. 

While  on  the  ship  make  it  a  point  to  write  a 
letter,  each  day,  to  the  folks  at  home.  Mail  the 
lot  when  you  reach  France, — that  is,  if  the  censor 
will  let  them  go  through. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

BACKING  UP  THE  BOY 

"NT  OW  Sammy  is  on  the  sea,  running  the  gaunt- 
■'•  ^  let  of  the  submarines.  Before  we  again 
take  up  with  him  his  journey  to  the  trenches 
let  us  pause  for  a  moment  and  think  what 
we,  who  are  breaking  our  hearts  because  we 
cannot  go,  can  do  to  help  him  and  bring  victory 
a  little  nearer.  Our  hearts  are  with  him  but  our 
bodies  are  here,  because  we  are  too  old,  too  young, 
physically  unfit,  or  because  we  are  women  and 
children.  Let  us  not  get  hysterical  but,  keeping 
both  feet  firmly  on  the  ground,  size  up  the  facts 
and  calmly  review  the  situation. 
■nrt-  ..r.  We  are  over-age — what  can  we  do? 

what  the  ° 

Old  Can  Do  We  can  use  our  brains,  employ  them 
^    ^  ^  in  the   service  of    Uncle    Sam.     The 

great  slogan  is  economize,  therefore  it  is  up 
to  us  to  run  our  factories,  offices,  and  homes 
without  waste.     Sit  down  by  yourself  and  think 

ii8 


yu.  &  u. 


German  Submarine  Mine-layer,  Captured  by  the  British. 


©  u.  &  u. 


British  Submarine,  D-8. 


Backing  Up  the  Boy  119 

it  out  carefully.  Draw  up  a  rough  statement  of 
your  personal  expenditures  for  a  month, — get  out 
your  little  "hatchet  of  economy"  and  start  chip- 
ping off  unnecessary  luxuries.  You  will  be 
surprised  to  find,  after  the  chipping  process,  that 
you  have  saved  between  30  and  40%. 

You  want  to  do  your  bit.  To  really  do  your 
bit,  you  must  personally  sacrifice.  Take  these 
little  chips  and  give  them  to  Uncle  Sam.  Put 
them  into  Liberty  Bonds,  the  Red  Cross,  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.,  into  comforts  for  our  soldiers,  and 
then,  when  you  have  done  this,  dig  down  deeper 
still  for  Uncle  Sam.  Realize  that  this  war  is  for 
you  personally.  Make  it  a  personal  issue  between 
you  and  the  Kaiser;  during  this  combat,  sweat,  and 
after  your  day's  work,  you  will  go  to  bed  with  that 
warm  glowing  feeling  that  you  are  personally 
conducting  a  little  war  of  your  own  against  auto- 
cracy, rape,  loot,  and  murder. 

You  are  physically  unfit?  Although  ThePhysi- 
every  nerve  is  tingling  to  get  hold  of  a  *^*^y  ^^* 
rifle  and  bayonet  and  march  beside  our 
boys,  still  it  is  decreed  otherwise.  Do  not  be  down- 
hearted and  despondent  because  you  cannot  engage 
in  physical  encounter  with  the  enemy.  Thank  God 
that  your  brain  is  unimpaired.     Look  around  you. 


120  First  Call 

Get  into  one   of  the   great   movements  for  the 

furthering  of  the  war :     Vigilantes,  Home  Defense, 

Liberty  Loan,  Red  Cross,  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  or  one  of  the 

Government  organizations.     Help  and  encourage 

others.     Go  up  on  the  house  tops  and  shout  to  the 

world  that  you  are  proud  that  you  are  an  American 

and  then  go  down  into  the  street  among  the  throng 

and  battle  for  America. 

Never  let  any  one  directly  or  by  innuendo  attack 

our  flag,  or  government,  or  those  oj  our  Allies. 

_,    „,  You  are  a  woman.     Hold  your  head 

The  Women  ^  -^ 

high  and  be  proud  of  this  fact.  If 
you  will  only  realize  that  "the  hand  that  rocks 
the  cradle  rules  the  world"  and  that  the  hand  that 
rocks  the  cradle  will  win  this  war,  you  will  glory 
in  the  fact  that  you  are  a  woman.  Get  out  and 
prove  to  the  skeptical  that  the  winning  of  the  war 
rests  squarely  on  your  shoulders.  You  are  the 
governing  influence  over  man.  You  can  make 
him  the  patriot  and  send  him  into  the  front  line 
trenches  to  fight  for  Liberty,  Home,  and  You,  or 
you  can  make  him  a  crawling,  slinking  slacker. 
Where  would  the  American  Red  Cross  be  without 
women?  Join  the  Red  Cross  yourself,  have  your 
husband  join,  your  sons,  your  daughters, — see  that 
each  one  of  them  works  for  the  Red  Cross.     Knit 


Backing  Up  the  Boy  121 

for  the  Red  Cross  and  keep  on  knitting  for  the 
Red  Cross.  Don't  knit  in  public  and  then  go 
home  and  throw  your  knitting  aside,  but  knit  in 
public  and  also  knit  in  the  privacy  of  your  home. 
You  are  the  head  of  your  household.  The  Allies 
are  crying  for  food.  Encourage  them,  cut  down 
your  living  expense.  Don't  waste.  Throw  your 
garbage  pail  over  the  fence,  and  run  your  table 
so  that  a  pill  box  will  answer  for  the  usual  big 
galvanized  iron  garbage  tin.  Establish  a  meatless 
day  and  adhere  to  it  strictly.  Remember  that 
every  crust  you  save  from  the  garbage  can,  means 
a  crust  for  our  fighting  and  bleeding  Allies.  Cut 
down  on  your  dress.  No  war  as  yet  has  never  been 
won  in  silks  and  satins.  Put  this  money  that 
you  save  into  Liberty  Bonds,  the  Red  Cross,  the 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  and  other  noble  movements  of  this 
war.  Before  your  family  evening  prayer  at  night, 
sing  or  play  a  stanza  from,  the  Star  Spangled 
Banner.  Let  your  family  know  that  they  in- 
dividually are  American  soldiers  fighting  in  this 
great  cause. 

You   are   under-age.     Boys,   if  you 

The 
are  old  enough,  join  the  Boy  Scouts,     under-Age 

and  before  long  you  will  be  doing  real 

duty    and    helping    Uncle    Sam    win    this    war. 


122  First  Call 

When  our  wounded  soldiers  return  to  the  United 
States  and  the  hospitals  are  full,  think  of  the 
satisfaction  of  being  detailed  as  an  orderly  to  a 
ward  of  wounded  soldiers.  You  can  write  their 
letters,  run  their  errands  and  cheer  them  up! 
Think  of  the  great  honor  and  pleasure  you  will 
derive  from  listening  to  their  first-hand  stories  of 
personal  experiences  while  fighting  against  the 
Kaiser!  Girls,  join  the  Red  Cross  and  help  your 
mother  save  in  the  house.  While  she  is  out  on 
patriotic  duty  take  care  of  the  house  and  the 
children,  and  realize  that  you  have  temporarily 
been  made  "  the  hand  that  rocks  the  cradle. " 

All  Americans  subscribe  to  the  Liberty 
Loan  Loan.     There  will  be  many  more  loans 

before  the  war  is  ended.  Do  not  look 
at  this  as  a  safe  business  investment.  Forget 
the  cent  per  cent,  issue.  Any  mercenary,  grasping 
man  will  rush  into  a  safe  conservative  business 
deal.  We  do  not  want  that  kind  of  patriotism. 
Every  bond  that  you  buy,  whether  it  is  a  $50  or 
a  $1,000,000  one,  means  that  you  have  bought 
that  much  of  victory  for  Uncle  Sam.  Buy  your 
bond.  Lay  it  on  your  desk  before  you;  close 
your  eyes  and  draw  this  picture : 

A  drafted  man  in  civilian   clothes  enters  the 


Backing  Up  the  Boy  123 

United  States  Treasury.  You  hand  him  his 
bond  as  he  goes  in.  Watch  the  other  entrance, 
and  pretty  soon  you  will  see  this  civilian  coming 
out,  equipped  as  a  soldier  of  Uncle  Sam  with  a 
rifle  and  bayonet  in  his  hand,  and  a  glow  of 
patriotism  in  his  eyes,  bound  with  thousands  of 
others  for  "Over  There"  to  break  up  the  firm  of 
"MeundGott." 

When  this  war  is  over,  do  not  take  this  bond 
and  turn  it  in  to  collect  your  interest  and  principal. 
Frame  it ;  nail  it  upon  the  walls  of  your  home,  and 
when  your  grandchildren  ask  you:  "Daddy 
what  did  you  do  in  the  Great  War  for  Liberty, " — 
point  to  it  with  pride  and  say:  "Children  there 
hangs  my  certificate  of  patriotism,  my  charter  of 
liberty  given  to  me  by  Uncle  Sam  when  he  went 
'over  the  top,'  for  Justice,  Democracy,  and 
Liberty.  There  it  is  and  there  it  shall  stand  for 
generations  and  generations. " 

AUTHOR'S  NOTE 

I  have  intentionally  omitted  in  the  preceding 
chapters  many  small  details  and  tips  for  the  soldier 
while  actually  passing  through  his  training  period  in 
the  United  States,  because  his  instructors  cannot  be 
improved  upon  and  the  drafted  man  will  learn  these 
things  from  them. 


124  First  Call 

In  the  training-period  in  the  United  States,  a  mistake 
here  and  there  does  not  matter  so  much.  If  a  sham 
battle  is  won  or  lost,  it  means  little  besides  good 
training.  There  are  no  killed  or  wounded  soldiers; 
there  is  no  smashed  up  territory  to  pay  the  cost  of  a 
mistake, — but,  Sammy,  when  you  get  in  France  and 
are  actually  in  the  fire  zone  you  are  more  or  less,  "on 
your  own."  Then  a  mistake  may  mean  your  life, 
and  the  lives  of  thousands  of  your  mates,  I  have 
therefore  devoted  the  major  part  of  this  book  to 
suggestions  for  the  other  side,  which  were  gained  from 
my  own  experience  in  France,  and  which  may  safe- 
guard your  life  when  you  reach  the  Western  Front. 


CHAPTER  XV 

"POILU  AND   tommy:   HERE's   SAMMY" 

V/^OU  have  now  landed  in  France  or  England. 
You  are  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land. 
People  and  surroundings  will  appear  strange  to 
you  and  you  will  appear  strange  to  these  people 
and  surroundings.  You  say  to  yourself:  "How 
should  I  act ? "  "How  shaU  I  be  friendly  ? ' '  The 
best  advice  is :  don't  try  to  pose  or  put  on  airs. 
Just  be  a  plain  good  American  and  you  will  be  sur- 
prised to  find  that  you  are  received  with  open  arms. 

It  will  be  a  little  hard  to  get  along 
In  London  , 

with    the    Englishman    at    first.     His 

ways  are  so  different  from  ours.     The  Englishman 

has    a    way    of    taking    everything   for    granted. 

You    mustn't    talk     to    him    about   the   war  or 

ask    about    the    victory.     He    is    perfectly    sure 

about    victory.     The    only   thing    he    does    not 

know  is  how  long   it  is    going    to    take.      Don't 

mention  the  mJght  of  money  to  him.    Don't  tell 

125 


126  First  Call 

him  that  baseball  has  cricket  skinned  a  mile. 
His  opinion  of  baseball  is  just  about  the  same  as 
your  opinion  of  cricket.  Don't  try  to  impress 
upon  him  the  fact  that  he  is  a  fool  for  allowing 
himself  to  be  ruled  by  a  King.  The  Englishman 
knows  the  King  is  only  a  figurehead  and  that  the 
English  people  rule;  besides  he  is  a  perfectly 
good  observer  and  might  come  back  at  you  and 
punch  holes  in  our  Senate  and  Congress.  Do  not 
herald  your  arrival  in  England  and  France  as  a 
great  event  and  say  that  you  have  come  over  to 
win  the  war.  Maybe  they  are  wondering  why 
you  happened  to  be  so  late. 

Forget  all  about  the  "1776  stuff."  Remember 
that  you  are  of  the  same  family,  the  same  mother 
tongue,  and  that  right  now  you  are  brothers  in 
arms,  and  from  now  on  will  be  marching  side  by 
side  forever  more  in  the  advancement  of  Justice, 
Democracy,  and  Liberty.  If  an  embarrassing 
situation  does  arise  and  an  uncomfortable  silence 
ensues,  it  can  be  readily  adjusted.  You  should 
either  offer  or  accept  an  invitation  to  tea.  Over 
a  cup  of  tea  the  unpleasantness  evaporates  like 
a  fog  in  the  sun.  Remember  more  good  friend- 
ships are  built  up  over  a  cup  of  tea  in  England 
than  over  a  cocktail  in  America. 


**Poilu  and  Tommy:  Here's  Sammy**   127 

Be  modest  and  unassuming  with  the  English- 
man or  else  he  will  tersely  describe  your  attitude 
as  Yankee  "swank." 

Now  with  the  Frenchman,  the  situa-  With  the 
tion  is  a  little  different.  The  French  Frenchman 
are  really  looking  to  the  Americans  as 
the  saviours  of  their  cause.  You  must  be  very 
careful  to  preserve  this  sentiment,  because  the 
French  are  very  temperamental.  If  a  Frenchman 
shows  his  enthusiasm  and  appreciation  by  kissing 
you,  don't  land  on  him,  but  kiss  him  back.  A 
kiss  to  a  Frenchman  is  the  same  as  a  hearty 
handshake  to  an  American.  The  French  are  ex- 
tremely polite.  You  must  be  poHte  with  them. 
Never  make  fun  of  a  Frenchman.  It  is  a  mortal 
insult.  The  American  must  remember  that  the 
Frenchman's  politeness  does  not  mean  that  he 
is  afraid.  A  Frenchman  generally  apologizes  to 
a  German  before  he  runs  his  bayonet  through 
him. 

Now,  Americans,  remember  that  although  we 
are  fighting  in  the  Frenchman's  cause,  as  well  as 
our  own,  we  ought  to  use  a  little  common 
sense.  We  are  fighting  in  the  Frenchman's 
back  yard.  We  are  fighting  a  common  enemy, 
trying  to  keep  him  from  climbing  over  the  fence 


128  First  Call 

into  this  yard,  but  it  is  the  Frenchman's  yard. 
He  has  laid  it  out,  planted  flowers,  put  in  many 
years  of  toil  and  love  to  make  it  beautiful.  Keep 
the  paths  as  laid  out  by  the  Frenchman  and  avoid 
stepping  on  his  flower  beds.  Just  act  as  a  good, 
true  American,  and  you  will  get  a  wonderful 
reception. 

You  must  excuse  each  other's  mistakes.  Team 
up  in  the  common  cause  and  go  out  looking  for 
Germans  to  wallop. 

When  you  arrive  at  your  billet  in  some  village, 
you  will  find  that  prices  will  slightly  rise.  Do 
not  consider  this  as  an  injury  or  an  insult,  because 
it  really  is  a  compliment.  The  French  people 
imagine  every  American  is  a  millionaire.  They 
set  the  best  before  him  and  he  is  expected  to  pay 
the  price.  This  impression  was  made  before  the 
war  by  American  tourists  in  France.  They 
scattered  their  money  around  as  if  it  had  no 
value. 

Of  coiu-se,  at  first  you  will  not  be  able  to  un- 
derstand the  Frenchman.  He  will  be  jabbering 
away  like  a  machine-gun.  You  will  be  helpless. 
Then  there  is  an  awkward  pause,  and  he  looks 
for  you  to  return  the  fire.  You  do  not  know  what 
to  say.     A  string  of  "Oui,   Oui,   Ouis"  will  get 


Cap  Devices  and  Badges     British  Army 

I  -London  Scottish  9      Military  Police 


King's  Own  Scottish  Borderers 

3 — The  Royal  Scots  ii 

4     Irish  Regiment  i2 

S — George  Rex,  Home  Defence  13 

6 — Royal  Dragoon  Guards  14 

7    -Army  Service  Corps  i%-      ^ 

8 — New  Zealand  16 — Durham  Light  Infantry 
17 — Qth  Lancers 


The  Welsh 
London  Rifle  Brigade 
3d  King  s  Own  Hussars 
The  King's  Own 
Royal  Dublin  Fusiliers 
roth  Royal  Hussars 


Cap  Devices  and  Badges — British  Army 


i8 — Canada — Collar  Device 

19 — Royal  Army  Medical  Corps 

20 — The  Royal  Dragoons 

21 — Northumberland  Fusiliers 

22 — Army  Veterinary   Corps 

23 — Royal  Flying  Corps 

24     Army  Ordnance  Corps 

25 — First  Life  Guards 


34 — Canadian  Field  Artillery 


26 — Connaught  Rangers 

27 — Middlesex  Regiment 

28 — Royal  Marines 

29 — 12th  Lancers 

30 — Canadian  Engineers 

31 — Australia 

32 — Royal  Engineers 

33 — Royal  Field  Artillery 


••Poilu  and  Tommy:  Here's  Saimmy**    129 

you  nowhere,  but  throw  both  hands  into  the  air 
and  shout  "Vive  la  France"  and  the  Frenchman 
will  answer  "Vive  TAmerique,"  will  kiss  you  a 
couple  of  times,  and  away  you  go,  the  best  of 
friends^  thoroughly  understanding  each  other. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

ON  LANDING  IN   FRANCE 

'T'HE  first  spare  moment  after  landing  at  "a  port 
^  in  France"  should  be  utilized  in  writing  home. 
It  will  help  to  remember  that  all  of  your  letters, 
while  on  active  service,  will  be  censored.  Don't 
try  to  send  anything  through  by  code,  because 
they  will  get  you.  Give  the  censor  credit  for 
having  brains.  Perhaps  you  will  work  out  a 
code  which  in  your  eyes  appears  perfect,  but 
when  your  letter  reaches  the  censor,  with  a  sigh 
of  disgust,  he  will  commit  it  to  the  waste  basket, 
at  the  same  time  remarking:  "Won't  they  ever 
get  something  new,  or  give  us  credit  for  some  in- 
telligence?" What  appears  new  to  you  is  an 
old  story  with  His  Majesty  the  Censor. 

No  doubt  a  field   postal  card,  simi- 
MaU 

lar  to  that  used  in  the  British  Army, 

will  be  issued  once  a  week. 

Lots  of  other  information  can  be  sent  on  this 
130 


On  Landing  in  France  131 

card.  We  did  it.  Think  it  out.  Cannot  tell 
you  how,  because  perhaps  it  will  give  the  game 
away. 

Remember  that  your  official  address  will  be: 
"Somewhere  in  France." 

We  often  used  a  method  in  our  letters  to  give 
the  folks  at  home  a  tip  as  to  what  part  of  the  line 
we  were  at.  It  worked  just  once,  then  the  censor 
landed  on  us  like  a  ton  of  bricks. 

This  was  the  method:  Censor  Won't 

Fall  for  This 

Somewhere  in  France. 

Dear  Brother  : 

Received  your  letter  and  parcel.  Am  in  fine 
health,  etc.,  etc. 

Arthur  Raymond  received  a  surprise.  Bertha 
wrote  to  him  and  everything  is  all  right  again, 
etc.,  etc. 

Your  loving  brother, 
John. 

Put  in  a  name  and  sentence  that  has  no  meaning 
to  the  addressee. 

By  using  the  first  letter  of  each  word,  the  sen- 
tence "Arthur  Raymond  received  a  surprise" 
spells  "Arras,"  the  point  where  we  were  stationed. 

So  don't  try  anything  like  this;  it  won't 
work. 


132  First  Call 

Don't  take  a  needle  and  pierce  certain  letters 
to  speU  out  a  sentence — the  censor  will  get  wise, 
with  his  eyes  shut. 

The  only  safe  way  to  beat  the  censor  is  not  to 
try.  * '  Cuss ' '  him  as  much  as  you  wish— he  doesn't 
care,  though  it  may  temporarily  relieve  your 
feelings.  But  do  not  express  your  opinion  of  him 
in  a  letter,  because  that  letter  will  disappear. 

Every  week  an  envelope  will  be  issued,  in  which 
you  are  allowed  to  write  of  family  and  private 
matters.  This  letter  escapes  the  regimental  censor 
but  is  liable  to  be  censored  at  the  base.  If  you 
abuse  the  privilege  extended  to  you  in  the  issue 
of  this  special  envelope,  it  will  not  be  long  before 
you  are  caught.  You  will  not  be  the  only  suffer- 
er; perhaps  the  issue  of  these  envelopes  to  your 
regiment  will  be  discontinued  for  six  months.  It 
happened  to  us.     (No,  I  was  not  the  culprit.) 

Do  not  try  to  smuggle  letters  through  by  giv- 
ing them  to  the  wounded  or  to  men  going  on  leave, 
because  they  are  liable  to  search,  and  it  will  go 
hard  with  them,  and  with  you  too,  if  the  letter  is 
found. 

The  important  thing  to  remember  is  that  the 
enemy  is  liable  to  profit  through  your  effort  to 
smuggle  information  and  evade  the  censor. 


On  Landing  in  France  133 

Your  platoon  officer  generally  is  the  officer  who 
censors  your  letters.  Do  not  try  to  get  back  at 
him  by  writing  a  letter  home,  telling  the  folks  what 
an  awful  dub  you  have  for  a  platoon  commander. 
He  might  not  say  anything  about  it,  but  he  may 
do  something. 

In  your  letters  don't  dwell  on  the  fact  that  you 

are  a  wonderful  soldier  and  deserve  immediate 

promotion.     You  will  never  get  it  by  this  method. 

Sammy,    who    is    unfamiliar    with     , 

•^  Interpreters 

French,  will  be  interested  to  know  that 
he  will  see  many  interpreters  in  France.  Those 
of  the  French  army  are  divided  into  three  classes, 
those  of  the  first  class  ranking  as  captains,  of  the 
second  class  as  first  lieutenants,  the  third  class  as 
second  lieutenants. 

These  interpreters  may  be  easily  recognized  by 
a  blue  velvet  band  worn  on  the  cap,  the  insignia 
of  their  rank  above  this  band,  and  a  blue  velvet 
gorget.  On  the  cap  and  gorget  appears  a  gold 
laced  olive  leaf.  The  buttons  on  their  blouses 
are  marked  with  a  sphinx. 

When   a  man  lands  in   France  he 

Souvenirs 

is    naturally    curious    and    wants   to 
see  everything  the  first  day.     He  wants  to  go  im- 
mediately  "up  the  line,"  get  into  the  trenches, 


134  First  Call 

see  the  artillery  in  action,  etc.  Everything 
he  sees  assumes  a  great  value.  This  is  espe- 
cially true  of  souvenirs.  A  recruit  will  load 
himself  with  shell  heads,  dud  bombs,  nose 
caps,  etc.,  and  cart  them  around  for  weeks, 
adding  weight  to  his  already  heavy  load  and 
increasing  the  misery  and  discomfort  of  the 
long  march.  Then  he  gradually  gets  wise  and 
throws  them  away,  one  by  one.  If  he  will  only 
consider  the  fact  that  there  is  no  chance  of  taking 
or  sending  these  souvenirs  home  (because  no  ord- 
nance is  allowed  out  of  France),  and  also  realize 
that  after  carrying  them  for  months  they  will 
be  confiscated  at  the  sailing  points,  he  will  soon 
realize  that  souvenirs  are  a  lot  of  worthless  junk 
and  will  treat  them  accordingly. 

On  the  very  day  he  lands  Sammy 
should   paste   this   maxim    in   his   tin 
hat:— "Don't  Waste." 

Do  not  waste  rations,  ammunitions,  equipment, 
etc.      Remember  you  will  pay  for  it  after  the  war. 

Forget  that  old  silly  phrase,  "The  Govern- 
ment is  rich." 

Every  tin  of  meat,  biscuit,  loaf  of  bread,  tin 
of  jam,  every  bullet,  bomb,  rifle,  bayonet,  every 
piece  of  equipment  you  throw  away  or  destroy, 


STEEL  HELMET  OR     TIN  HAT 


135 


136  First  Call 

means  that  the  war  will  last  longer  and  that  you 

and  your  folks  at  home  will  pay  for  it  in  good 

hard  cold  cash. 

Burying  ammimition  beneath  the  straw  in  your 

billet,  or  in  a  front  line  trench,  to  save  you  the 

trouble  of  carrying  it  on  a  march,  is  an  old  stunt, 

but  remember  this  offense  is  punishable  by  death, 

and  when  you  are  Hned  up  against  a  wall,  with  a 

firing  squad  of  twelve  men  in  front  of  you,  it  will 

be  too  late  to  be  sorry. 

As    soon    as    your    shrapnel-proof 
The  "Tin  Hat»',    ,  .,   .     ,        „         •     •         ,1    -,    • 

helmet,  or     tm  hat,    as  it  is  called,  is 

issued  to  you,  see  that  it  fits.  In  wearing  the 
steel  helmet,  the  strap  should  be  tight.  The 
best  way  is  to  have  the  strap  pass  between 
the  chin  and  the  lower  lip;  this  method  keeps 
it  tight  and  also  allows  you  to  eat  without  re- 
moving the  strap.  If  no  cloth  covering  for  the 
helmet  has  been  issued,  before  entering  the  front 
line  trench  or  when  in  range  of  enemy  snipers, 
plaster  the  outside  of  the  helmet  with  mud. 
This  prevents  your  helmet  shining  in  the  sun-  oi" 
moonlight  and  it  may  save  your  life. 

Though  you  are  wearing  a  helmet,  take  no 
chances  in  unnecessarily  exposing  yourself;  re- 
member that  a  helmet  will  not  turn  a  rifle  bullet — 


On  Landing  in  France  137 

it  is  only  protection  against  spent  bullets  and 
fragments  of  shell. 

A  helmet  also  makes  a  good  wash  basin  in  an 
emergency. 

In  marching,  when  out  of  range  of  the  enemy, 
hang  your  helmet  by  the  strap  over  your  bayonet 
scabbard — this  will  take  the  weight  from  your 
head  and  the  march  will  be  easier.  Take  your 
khaki  handkerchief,  tie  a  knot  in  each  comer,  and 
wear  it  on  your  head;  this  will  protect  you  from 
the  sun's  rays  or  prevent  your  catching  cold. 

Never  mark  your  helmet  with  your  brigade, 
regiment,  or  company  numbers  or  letters  because, 
if  killed  or  captured,  this  informs  the  enemy  about 
the  identity  of  the  troops  opposite  them. 

In  France,  while  the  enemy  is  shelling,  a  practi- 
cal joke  is  often  played  on  recruits,  which  is  bad 
for  his  nerves.  It  is  engineered  thusly:  If  a  steel 
helmet  is  hit  with  metal  or  a  stone,  a  deafening 
ringing  in  the  ears  of  the  wearer  is  produced.  It 
is  nearly  as  bad  as  if  you  placed  a  dishpan  over 
your  ear,  and  then  hit  it  a  resounding  whack  with 
a  club.  The  joker  waits  with  a  stone  or  fragment 
of  shell  in  his  hand,  until  he  hears  a  German  shell 
coming  over  which  will  burst  in  your  vicinity. 
As  the  shell  bursts  he  hits  you  on  the  "tin  hat" 


138 


First  Call 


with  the  missile  in  his  hand.  You  are  sure  you 
hav^e  been  hit,  and  no  doubt  will  roll  over,  yelling 
for  stretcher  bearers.  Then  there  is  a  good  laugh 
at  your  expense.  But  do  not  try  this  joke  on 
anyone  because  the  victim  really  suffers  from  the 
shock  to  his  nerves. 

Petrol  and  Two  little  bits  of  information  should 

French  Time  ^^  ^ j^^^  ^^f^^.^  ^t^-g  chapter  is  closed. 

In   France   gasoline   is   universally 
called  petrol. 

In  France  the  day  is  not  divided  into  a.m.  and 
P.M.;  the  hours  run  from  one  to  twenty-four. 
For  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  we  would  say 
I  P.M.,  while  in  France  it  would  be  known  as  the 
13th  hour,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


SPIES 


'I'^HE  most  deadly  menace  in  this  war  is  the 
*  German  spy.  Every  hour  of  the  day  or 
night,  whether  on  active  service,  or  leave,  even 
though  wounded,  keep  this  fact  constantly  before 
you: 

"The  eyes  and  ears  of  the  enemy  are  all  about 
you." 

Don't  discuss  military  matters  anywhere. 

Trust  no  one  v/ith  important  military  informa- 
tion, not  even  your  best  friend  or  bunkie.  When 
spies  are  caught  you  are  surprised  to  find  that 
they  were  the  ones  you  least  suspected.  Thou- 
sands of  ihem  are  never  found  out. 

Avoid  talking  of  events  "up  the  Hne,"  in  public 
places,  especially  so  in  estaminets  (French  saloons) 
or  pubHc  conveyances.  Look  with  suspicion  on 
the  affable  stranger  who  makes  your  acquaintance 
and  wants  to  buy  you  a  drink,  a  dinner,  or  smokes. 

139 


140  First  Call 

Do  not  converse  with  civilians  about  military 
matters,  even  if  they  are,  or  appear  to  be  French. 

Beware  of  making  the  acquaintance  of  strange 
soldiers  from  other  regiments;  when  they  broach 
military  matters,  shut  up  like  a  clam. 

Keep  away  from  lewd  women;  this  is  one  of  the 
greatest  lures  used  by  the  enemy  and  one  of  the 
most  successful. 

Never  carry  on  your  person  papers  which  con- 
tain important  military  information.  Commit 
this  information  to  memory  and  burn  the  papers. 
Do  not  tear  them  up  and  throw  the  pieces  away; 
they  can  be  pieced  together.  The  German  spy 
system  is  almost  perfect.  During  your  service  in 
France  this  fact  will  be  demonstrated  to  you. 

Never  trust  a  German.  Germany  is  our  enemy 
and  we  are  out  to  lick  them. 

Keep  your  mouth  shut  and  your  eyes 
Listener         and  ears  open. 

Be  a  good  listener  and  a  poor  talker. 

Every  man  who  has  actually  served  on  the 
Western  Front  will  endorse  the  above  warning. 
I  could,  space  permitting,  cite  many  examples 
which  would  illustrate  the  necessity  of  alertness, 
but  two  will  suffice,  the  first  showing  the  danger 
of  associating,   trusting,  and  imparting  military 


Spies^  141 

information  to  strange  soldiers,  although  in 
friendly  uniforms,  while  the  other  points  out  the 
danger  of  soldiers  associating  too  intimately  with 
civilians. 

At  a  certain  part  of  the  line  on  the  Western 
Front,  a  battalion  in  the  British  Army  (I  will  not 
give  its  name  and  number,  because  the  incident 
I  am  going  to  tell,  even  yet  rankles  in  its  memory) 
was  to  take  over  a  strange  sector  of  the  line.  In 
taking  over  new  trenches,  a  new  battalion  is 
usually  furnished  with  guides  from  Brigade 
Headquarters.  These  guides  meet  them  at  the 
entrances  to  the  communication  trenches,  and  con- 
duct them  to  the  front  line,  where  they  turn  over 
orders  and  give  warnings  of  dangers  and  low  spots 
and  points  from  which  the  enemy  are  liable  to 
attack. 

This  night  in  question  was  black  and  stormy, 
the  rain  beating  into  the  faces  of  the  men.  The 
officers  as  well  as  the  men  were  heartily  disgusted 
and  ' '  fed  up' '  with  everything  in  general.  Arriving 
at  the  communication  trench  which  led  to  the  front 
line,  they  were  met  by  an  officer  in  the  uniform 
of  a  captain  of  the  English  Army,  who  stated  that 
he  had  been  detailed  from  British  Headquarters 
to  conduct  the  — th  Battalion  to  their  station  in 


142  First  Call 

the  front-line  trench.  On  account  of  the  weather 
conditions,  the  battaHon  was  behind  its  schedule, 
therefore  the  captain  did  not  question  this  of- 
ficer, as  he  should  have  done,  but  accepted  him 
as  a  bona-fide  guide.  The  guide  did  very  little 
talking;  in  fact,  he  was  a  very  good  listener.  The 
colonel  was  a  good  talker,  and  a  poor  listener, 
and  readily  answered  questions  which,  under 
ordinary  conditions,  would  have  aroused  the  sus- 
picion of  the  least  intelligent  private.  In  fact, 
he  gave  the  history  of  that  battalion  from  its 
organization  to  the  present  moment.  Upon  ar- 
riving in  the  fire  trench  the  guide,  in  a  very  mili- 
tary and  proper  manner,  turned  over  the  station 
to  the  battalion  and  then  told  the  colonel  that  a 
large  wiring  party  of  the  Royal  Engineers  was  to 
go  out  "in  front"  that  night  to  repair  damage  in 
the  barbed  wire.  Therefore  the  colonel  was  to 
issue  orders  to  all  sentries  along  his  sector  of  trench 
that  there  should  be  no  challenging  or  firing,  as 
the  wiring  party,  while  working,  would  be  within  a 
few  feet  of  the  trench. 

The  colonel  accordingly  issued  this  order. 
Then  the  guide  informed  the  colonel  that  he  him- 
self was  in  charge  of  said  wiring  party,  and  that 
he  was  going  out   "in  front"   to  look  over  the 


spies  143 

ground  before  the  Royal  Engineers  went  "over 
the  top."  He  also  told  the  colonel  (to  make  his 
story  more  plausible)  that  the  party  of  engineers 
had  been  detailed  from  the  battalion  on  his  right, 
and  that  they  would  leave  the  fire  trench  through 
a  sap  leading  from  the  neighboring  battalion's 
trench. 

With  typical  German  cunning  and  efficiency, 
no  little  detail  was  overlooked  to  insure  the  suc- 
cess of  the  scheme.  Then  the  guide,  receiving  a 
"Best  of  Luck  "  from  the  colonel,  crawled  "over 
the  top"  of  the  trench,  out  through  a  sap  under 
the  wire,  to  a  listening  post,  and  disappeared  into 
the  rain  and  darkness  of  No  Man's  Land. 

Upon  receipt  of  the  order  not  to  fire  or  challenge, 
the  sentries  were  tickled  to  death,  being  tired, 
sleepy,  and  hungry;  they  appreciated  the  few 
hours  of  rest  in  front  of  them,  which  to  their 
minds,  although  a  little  strange,  still  appeared  to 
be  very  ' '  cushy. ' '  A  soldier,  as  a  rul e,  when  he  has 
an  eavSy  time  on  r-.ard,  will  not  inquire  too  deeply 
into  the  reasons     lerefor. 

In  about  twer .  y  minutes'  time  the  sentries  could 
hear  men  working  in  their  wire,  a  few  feet  in  front 
of  them.  Occasionally  a  sharp  twang  would  ring 
out  on  the  night  air.     This  would  elicit  from  some 


144  First  Call 

sentry  a  caustic  remark  as  to  the  brains  and  abil- 
ity of  Royal  Engineers  in  general,  or  the  same 
sentry  would  calculate  that  in  this  certain  part  of 
the  line,  Fritz  across  the  way,  was  either  dead 
or  had  not  as  yet  received  a  copy  of  the  Hymn 
of  Hate,  otherwise  that  "twang"  would  be  an- 
swered by  rifle  or  machine-gun  fire  directed  at  the 
working  party. 

About  an  hour  before  "Stand  To"  was  passed 
down  the  trench,  all  work  on  the  wire  ceased. 
Then  daylight.  The  sentries  nearly  dropped  dead 
with  surprise  to  see  in  front  of  them  the  barbed 
wire  horribly  cut  up;  stakes  were  pulled  up  and 
"gooseberries"  missing;  in  fact,  the  wire  was 
demolished  more  than  could  be  accomplished  by 
an  hour's  intense  bombardment  from  the  German 
artillery. 

Then  the  colonel  awoke  to  the  fact  that  this 
amiable  officer,  who  had  so  efficiently  guided  them 
into  the  fire  trench,  was  nothing  more  or  less  than 
a  German  spy,  disguised  in  the  uniform  of  an 
English  captain.  This  spy  was  dressed  in  the 
uniform  of  an  English  officer,  which  no  doubt  was 
secured  from  some  prisoner  or  wounded  officer, 
and  had  crawled  from  the  German  trenches  over 
No  Man's  Land  and  entered  our  trenches.     This 


spies  145 

could  be  very  easily  accomplished  by  falling  in  the 
rear  of  a  returning  working  party.  After  telling 
the  colonel  to  pass  the  word  down  the  line  not  to 
fire  or  challenge,  he  had  left  our  trenches,  gone 
over  to  the  German  lines,  and  conducted  back  to 
our  wire  a  German  working  party  which  had  effec- 
tively accomplished  his  object. 

The  destruction  of  this  wire  necessitated  large 
working  parties  from  the  colonel's  battalion 
going  out  in  front  on  the  following  night  to  repair 
the  damage.  This  was  part  of  the  German 
scheme,  because,  knowing  that  the  working  party 
would  go  out,  it  was  a  simple  matter  to  turn  rifle 
and  machine-gun  fire  on  them.  It  took  three 
nights  to  repair  the  damage  with  this  result — a 
very  heavy  casualty  list. 

In  the  region  of  La  Bass^e  an  inci- 

^  Everyday 

dent  occurred,  which  should  strongly   Occurrences 
point    out    to    soldiers    the    folly    of 
mingling  with    civilians   and   imparting    military 
information. 

For  several  weeks  the  Germans  had  constantly 
shelled  this  particular  town,  but  still  there  were 
civilians  who  disregarded  this  shelling  and  re- 
fused to  leave,  preferring  to  run  their  stores 
and   estaminets   at    a  great    profit,    even  though 


146  First  Call 

they  incurred  a  great  risk  of  personal  injury. 
Occasionally  a  shell  would  demolish  a  store,  but 
this  did  not  seem  to  "phase"  its  competitors.  To 
them  it  simply  meant  additional  trade  and  profit. 
One  particular  estaminet  (saloon)  seemed  to  be 
charmed;  shells  never  came  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  it,  even  though  the  surrounding  houses, 
billets,  etc.,  were  razed  to  the  ground.  This  place 
was  run  by  a  Swiss  and  his  family.  The  soldiers 
used  to  gather  there — in  fact,  they  made  it  a  sort 
of  a  club,  drinking  the  red  wine  and  French  beer, 
and  discussing  military  matters.  This  family, 
especially  a  blond-haired  daughter  about  twenty- 
four  years  old,  were  very  cordial  to  the  soldiers; 
she  waited  on  them,  catered  to  them,  cooked  for 
them,  always  making  the  place  as  homelike  as 
possible.  Troops  leaving  this  part  of  the  line, 
upon  meeting  incoming  troops,  would  recommend 
this  favorite  estaminet  to  them.  In  fact,  it  was 
a  regular  soldiers'  home. 

This  went  on  for  months  and  still  the  place  was 
never  hit  by  a  shell.  It  was  uncanny  to  the  sol- 
diers and  when  a  general  bombardment  was  in 
order,  soldiers,  who  were  off  duty,  would  repair 
to  this  estaminet,  believing  it  to  be  a  safety  zone. 
A   certain   English    sergeant   was   very   much   in 


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spies  147 

love  with  the  blond-haired  daughter  of  the  pro- 
prietor of  this  estaminet  and,  to  all  appearances, 
she  seemed  to  return  his  affection.  They  had 
many  secret  meetings.  Suddenly  one  morning 
a  provost  guard  took  over  the  place,  arrested  the 
civilian  inmates,  and  took  them  to  the  Base,  where, 
a  few  days  later,  they  were  shot  as  spies.  This 
fact  came  out  in  a  manner  that  I  cannot  describe 
here.  Anyway  it  will  suffice  to  say  the  Swiss 
family  were  spies  in  the  pay  of  Germany.  In 
fact,  the  place  was  thoroughly  searched;  under- 
ground telephone  wires  were  found  leading  from 
the  estaminet  to  the  German  lines.  This  tele- 
phone system  must  have  been  laid  a  year  or  two 
previous  to  the  declaration  of  war.  The  Swiss, 
by  being  genial  and  friendly  with  the  soldiers  and 
buying  them  liquor,  had  sometimes  gotten  them 
to  speak  of  military  happenings,  and  had  gained 
valuable  information  for  the  enemy.  For  months 
the  owners  of  the  estaminet  had  been  in  constant 
communication  with  the  German  lines. 

All  this  accounts  for  the  fact  that  German  shells 
never  hit  the  place.  Two  days  after  the  family 
had  been  executed,  the  Germans  opened  up  with 
an  hour's  intense  bombardment  on  the  village, 
and  no  less  than  twenty-seven  shells  landed  on 


148  First  Call 

or  near  this  estaminet.  It  was  completely  effaced. 
So,  Sammy,  during  your  stay  in  the  trenches  of 
France, 

Beware  of  spies.     Trust  No  One. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

SHIRT-HUNTS 

TN  the  English  Army  the  men  in  the  trenches 
have  given  the  nickname  of  "cooties"  to 
body  lice.  This  is  a  repulsive  subject,  but  it  must 
be  faced  by  "Sammy."  It  is  only  a  matter  of  a 
short  time  after  arriving  in  France  and  getting 
up  into  the  Hne,  especially  where  the  men  have 
to  sleep  in  billets,  before  the  soldier  is  covered 
with  vermin.  No  matter  how  clean  he  tries  to  keep 
himself,  it  will  be  impossible  to  avoid  "cooties," 
because  he  has  to  occupy  billets  which  have  been 
used  for  three  years  or  more,  by  thousands  of 
troops.  In  these  billets  you  will  find  old  straw, 
perhaps  over  a  foot  deep,  which  has  been  ground 
fine  by  constant  sleeping  and  walking.  This 
straw  and  the  walls  of  the  billets  are  infested  with 
lice.  Of  course,  the  straw  can  be  removed  and 
burned,  but  still  the  "cooties"  will  be  in  evidence. 
They  simply  shift  their  quarters  to  the  walls  of 

149 


150  First  Call 

the  billet.  In  fact,  the  only  way  to  rid  a  billet 
of  lice  is  to  set  fire  to  it  and  bum  it  to  the  ground, 
but  there  is  not  much  sense  in  doing  this  because 
you  then  will  have  no  billet  to  sleep  in.  It  is  a 
case  of  choosing  between  two  evils:  either  put 
up  with  the  lice  or  sleep  in  the  open. 

"Cootie  "  '^^^  "^^y  ^^^  believe  it,  but,  repul- 

sive and  horrible  as  it  sounds,  it  will 
be  only  a  short  while  before  you  become  used 
to  "cooties"  and  "carry  on"  as  usual.  In  the 
trenches  several  methods  are  used  to  keep  this 
nuisance  in  check,  but  I  will  have  to  admit  that 
the  only  way  to  get  rid  of  cooties  permanently  is 
to  be  wounded  and  sent  to  a  hospital  where 
there  are  no  "cooties." 

I  will  personally  recommend  the  following 
methods,  though  I  will  not  guarantee  their  effec- 
tiveness. Still,  by  using  these,  great  satisfaction 
will  be  afforded  by  the  revenge  wreaked  on  your 
ever  present  though  uninvited  guests. 

A  very  handy  weapon  can  be  made  in  the  fol- 
lowing way:  Take  a  piece  of  hardwood,  about  eigh- 
teen inches  long;  whittle  it  to  the  thickness  of  an 
ordinary  meat  skewer;  polish  it  with  sand  or  a 
piece  of  stone,  so  that  it  is  smooth  and  will  not 
splinter.     Keep  this  weapon   or   "scratcher,"   as 


Shirt-Hunts  151 

they  call  it,  constantly  with  you.  An  easy  way  of 
carrying  it,  while  in  the  trenches  or  on  the  march, 
is  to  stick  it  in  the  right  puttee  (or  legging),  where 
it  will  always  be  handy  and  within  reach. 

Several  firms  advertise  insect  powders,  but  it 
is  wiser  to  disregard  these  ads  and  spend  your 
money  for  smokes  or  something  else,  which  will 
afford  a  return  for  the  money  expended. 

When  clean  underwear  is  issued,  never  put  it 

on  without  first  taking  a  bath — that  is,  if  you  are 

lucky  enough  to  have  bathing  facilities  present. 

I  would  advise  taking  over,  or  having  the  folks 

send  to  you,  a  few  cakes  of  strong  carbolic  soap. 

Use  this  soap  in  bathing,  and  you  will  find  the 

"cooties"  will  avoid  you  for  a  few  hours. 

"Cooties"    multiply    very    rapidly, 

Great 
therefore  it  is  not  much  use  trying  to     Multipliers 

exterminate  them  after  they  are  good 

and  healthy.     The  only  effective  way  is  to  get 

them  in  the  egg.     Light  a  candle  and  pass  the 

seams  over  the  flame,  being  careful  not  to  bum 

the  garment.     This  will  destroy  the  eggs  of  new 

"cooties." 

Once   again   copying   our   English   brothers,    I 

will  cite  a  common  method  which,  in  some  cases, 

proved  effective.     Of  course  this  method  cannot 


152  First  Call 

be  used  by  the  individual  soldier,  but  the  medical 
officer  may  find  this  formula  very  useful. 

Where  water  facilities  for  bathing  are  under 
direct  supervision  of  the  Medical  Department,  it 
is  recommended  that  the  water  be  treated  in  the 
following  manner:  Use  N.  C.  I.  dusting  powder. 
This  consists  of  96  parts  naphthalene,  2  parts  creo- 
sote, and  2  parts  iodoform.  The  individual  soldier 
may  compound  the  following  mixtiire:  crude 
mineral  oil,  9  parts;  ordinary  soft  soap,  5  parts. 
Add  to  this  i  part  of  water.  Then  carefully 
anoint  the  body  from  the  neck  down,  being  sure 
that  no  parts  are  neglected.  Do  not  put  it  on 
the  head  or  in  the  hair,  because  "cooties"  do 
not  infest  the  head.  Undergarments  may  also  be 
dipped  in  a  10  per  cent,  solution  of  naphthalene 
and  sulphur,  or  in  gasoline  or  benzine,  but  this  will 
give  the  garments  an  unsavory  odor,  which  may, 
to  the  fastidious  man,  be  worse  than  "cooties" 
(though  I  doubt  it). 

There  are  other  methods,  such  as  using  disin- 
fectants on  clothes,  but  these  are  not  for  Sammy, 
as  facilities  are  usually  lacking. 

As  I  have  said,  it  will  be  impossible  to  devise  a 
method  which  will  permanently  rid  you  of  these 
pests.     The  best  advice  that  I  can  give  is  to  con- 


Shirt-Hunts  153 

stantly  engage  in  a  "shirt-hunt."  Pick  them  off 
by  hand;  the  thumb-nail  is  the  weapon  most 
commonly  used  in  the  trenches  against  "cooties." 
Strong  pressure,  exerted  at  the  psychological  (?) 
moment,  will  do  the  trick.  After  all,  the  real  and 
only  tip  is  to  grin  and  bear  them. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

RATIONS  IN  FRANCE 

'T^HE  question  of  feeding  in  the  field  is  one  of 
"*•      the  most   important  factors  to  be  reckoned 
with  in  this  war.     According  to  Napoleon,  "An 
army  travels  on  its  stomach." 

A  soldier  is  human,  of  course.  Place  him  in  the 
front-line  trench,  wet,  cold,  covered  with  mud, 
his  belly  empty,  and  he  becomes  indifferent, — he 
does  not  care  whether  he  is  killed  or  wounded.  If 
he  is  killed,  he  is  out  of  the  mess;  if  he  is  wounded, 
why  that  means  home  and  three  squares  a  day. 

But  if  that  same  soldier  has  a  warm  feeling  in 
the  region  of  his  stomach,  and  has  to  let  out  a 
couple  of  holes  in  his  belt,  although  he  may  be 
cold  otherwise  and  muddy  and  uncomfortable,  he 
says  to  himself:  "The  people  at  home  cannot 
control  the  weather  and  they  are  doing  all  they 
can  to  make  me  comfortable,  therefore  it  is  up  to 
me  to  go  'over  the  top'   and  hand  Fritz  what  is 

154 


Rations  in  France  155 

coming  to  him — with  a  couple  of  extra  jabs  for 
good  measure,"  so  he  "carries  on"  with  the  last 
ounce  of  his  strength  and  the  last  drop  of  his 
blood.  That  is  soldier  psychology,  as  any  veteran 
will  tell  you. 

Perhaps  the  draftman  after  entering  a  concen- 
tration camp  has  good  reason  to  growl  about  his 
rations.  They  are  liable  to  be  below  the  standard. 
This  is  to  be  expected,  at  first,  because  everything 
is  topsy-turvy,  and  it  is  an  enormous  task  to 
properly  handle  hundreds  of  thousands  of  men 
at  a  few  months'  notice. 

He  undoubtedly  thinks:  "Well,  if  they  cannot 
feed  me  in  the  United  States,  what  is  going  to 
happen  to  me  when  I  get  over  in  France?"  This 
sounds  very  logical  but  it  is  wrong.  When  the 
American  soldier  reaches  France  he'll  be  very 
agreeably  surprised  to  find  that  he  will  be  at  least 
thirty  per  cent,  better  fed  than  he  was  at  home. 
He  will  also  find  that  it  is  much  easier  to  soldier 
on  active  service  than  it  is  to  endiire  the  mono- 
tony and  hard  grind  of  a  five  or  six  months' 
training  period  at  an  army  camp  in  the  United 
States. 

In  France  there  is  always  something  new  to 
occupy  the  mind,    and  you  have  that  feeling  of 


156  First  Call 

confidence  based  on  the  knowledge  that  at  last 
you  are  a  real  soldier  and  are  accompHshing 
things. 

While  in  the  United  States  the  draftman  will 
have  nothing  to  do  with  the  handling  of  his  own 
rations,  except  on  short  drills  and  a  few  special 
occasions.  The  worry  and  responsibility  are 
left  to  the  company  cooks,  but  on  his  arrival  in 
France,  he  will  be  disappointed  and  pretty  well 
jolted  to  find  that  the  rations  are  issued  indivi- 
dtmlly,  and  that  the  soldier  himself  is  responsible 
for  their  care  and  preservation. 

Our  Allies  in  this  war  learned,  through  hard 
experience,  many  new  and  valuable  lessons.  The 
United  States  is  entering  the  war  three  years 
later,  and  we  should  profit  by  the  experience  and 
mistakes  of  the  other  nations. 

In  many  instances  the  mode  of  handling  troops, 
supplies,  rations,  etc.,  will  be  copied  from  the 
French  and  English.  The  rationing  of  the  Eng- 
lish army  is  practically  perfect,  and  the  systems 
used  by  them  will  no  doubt  be  used  by  Uncle 
Sam, — therefore,  I  will  briefly  run  over  the  methods 
used  in  issuing,  handHng,  and  bringing  up  rations, 
as  personally  observed  by  me,  while  soldiering  in 
the  English  Army. 


Rations  in  France  157 

Rations  are  transported  by  the  Army 
Service  Corps,  or  A.  S.  C.  as  it  is  called,      behind  the 

Ever^^   twenty-four   hours   this    corps  ^-i^^s  and  in 
,    .  ,.         ^    .,     ,    .       ^  Rest  Billets 

brings  up  rations  to  the  bngade  quarter- 
master.    The  brigade  quartermaster  divides  them 
into  lots  according  to  the  numerical  strength  of 
the  commands  to  which  they  will  be  issued. 

The  regimental  or  battalion  quartermasters  are 
notified  to  draw  rations  for  their  units.  These 
quartermasters  notify  the  officers  in  command  of 
companies,  batteries,  etc.  These  officers  in  turn 
notify  their  quartermaster  sergeants,  and  these  ser- 
geants, with  details  of  men  to  help  them,  report 
to  the  regimental  or  battaUon  quartermasters 
and  receive  the  rations  for  their  commands.  The 
rations  are  then  brought  to  the  company's  stores. 
In  each  platoon  of  a  company,  a  non-commissioned 
officer,  usually  a  corporal,  assisted  by  two  other 
men,  (in  addition  to  his  other  duties),  is  detailed 
to  draw  and  issue  rations  for  his  platoon.  The 
rations  are  then  brought  to  the  billets  of  the  re- 
spective platoons  and  the  issue  to  the  individual 
soldier  takes  place. 

Rations  such  as  fresh  meats,  tea,  coffee,  flour, 
etc.,  are  turned  over  to  the  company  cooks  by 
the   company   quartermaster    sergeants,    the    in- 


158  First  Call 

dividual  soldier  doing  no  cooking,  just  handling 

' '  dry ' '  rations,  as  they  are  termed.     These  ' '  dry ' ' 

rations  generally  consist  of  fresh  bread,   tinned 

meats,  jams,  onions,  cheese,  tinned  butter,  raisins, 

biscuits  or  "hardtacks,"  pickles,  etc. 

After    getting    into    the    front-line 
Rations  in 

Front-Line  trench  the  soldier's  menu  will  take  a 
Trench  tumble,  because  great  difficulty  will  be 

experienced  in  bringing  up  hot  food,  especially  if 
the  Germans  are  bombarding.  Each  soldier  car- 
ries what  is  called  emergency  or  "iron  rations." 
These  consist  of  a  tin  of  corned  beef,  four  hardtacks, 
0x0  cubes  (concentrated  beef  tablets),  dry  tea, 
and  a  little  sugar.  Emergency  rations  are  only 
to  he  used  in  dire  necessity,  when  the  regular  ration 
issued  cannot  be  brought  up. 

Under  cover  of  darkness,  generally  around 
9  o'clock,  the  company  transport,  which  consists 
of  fifty  men,  mules,  horses,  and  limbers,  brings  up 
the  rations  to  the  entrance  of  the  communication 
trenches.  At  this  point  the  rations  are  turned 
over  to  the  company  sergeant-major,  who,  with 
a  detail,  sorts  the  rations  into  platoon  lots.  The 
detail  is  then  divided  into  four  squads,  each  now 
becoming  a  "ration  party."  It  is  their  duty  to 
carry  these  rations  through  the  communication 


Rations  in  France  i59 

trenches  to  the  front- Hne  trench.  At  this  point 
the  squads  separate  and  distribute  rations  to 
sections  and  platoons,  according  to  their  stations 
in  the  front  line. 

At  these  stations  the  rations  are  received  by  the 
platoon  or  section  non-commissioned  ofScer,  who 
distributes  them  to  the  individual  men.  In  the 
rear  of  the  communication  trenches,  generally  in 
a  shell-destroyed  village,  the  company  cooks  are 
stationed  in  a  billet;  here  they  cook  the  meals 
and  are  very  careful  to  screen  all  light  and  smoke 
from  their  fire,  otherwise  enemy  artillery  fire 
would  be  drawn  with  resulting  damage  and 
casualties.  At  night  each  platoon  or  section  non- 
commissioned officer  details  men  to  act  as  mess 
orderlies  for  the  ensuing  day.  The  mess  orderlies 
report  to  the  cooks  about  half  an  hour  before  each 
meal;  the  cooks  then  divide  the  cooked  rations 
into  lots,  according  to  the  numerical  strength  of 
the  platoons  or  sections.  The  rations  are  placed 
in  oval-shaped  iron  pots  called  "dixies."  These 
"dixies"  have  two  handles,  one  on  each  side, 
through  which  two  wooden  stakes  can  be  passed. 
Two  men  place  these  stakes  on  their  shoulders,  and 
the  "dixie"  is  carried  into  the  front  line  trench. 
A  metal  cover  hermetically  seals  a  "dixie,"  thus 


i6o  First  Call 

preventing  the  contents  from  cooling  or  becoming 
filled  with  mud  or  dirt  from  the  walls  of  the  trench. 
The  breaMast  generally  consists  of  one  slice  of 
bacon  per  man  and  about  a  quart  of  hot  tea. 
Roast  beef,  mutton,  and  occasionally  fish,  are  on 
the  bill  of  fare  for  dinner.  But  stew  or  "slum," 
as  it  is  called  in  the  American  army,  is  issued  more 
often  than  anything  else. 

About  4.30,  hot  tea  again  reaches  the  front-line 
trench.  Sometimes  the  Germans  establish  a  bar- 
rage of  fire  across  the  communication  trenches, 
preventing  rations  from  coming  up,  and  the  soldier 
in  the  front  line  has  to  economize  accordingly. 
But  on  the  whole  the  food  is  excellent  and  there 
is  plenty  of  it. 


CHAPTER  XX 


THE   SKY-FIGHTERS 


QlNCE  the  United  States  entered  the  Great 
^  War  there  has  been  a  great  deal  of  talk  about 
aeroplanes, — what  they  can  do,  how  they  can  do 
it,  and  why  they  are  necessary  to  win  the  war. 
The  average  civilian  has  a  very  vague  idea  of  the 
actual  work  of  the  aeroplane  in  the  field.  A  vision 
of  thousands  of  aeroplanes  in  the  air  dropping 
bombs  all  over  Germany  is  constantly  before  his 
eyes. 

I  do  not  intend  to  go  into  the  theory  of  aero- 
planes, but  a  few  pointers  on  their  actual  work, 
as  personally  witnessed  by  me,  while  serving 
on  the  Vfestem  Front  in  France,  may  help 
"Sammy"  to  get  a  better  idea  of  their  real  value. 
To  be  safe  from  anti-aircraft  guns,  an  aeroplane 
must  fly  very  high.  The  plane  travels  at  a 
high  rate  of  speed,  and  objects  on  the  earth, 
such  as  houses,  woods,  rivers,  roads,  columns  of 
"  i6i 


1 62  First  Call 

moving   troops,  supply  trains,    etc.,  appear  very 
minute. 

To  cause  serious  damage  to  any  of 
om  ing  rom^j^^  above  objectives,  a  dropping  bomb 
must  make  a  direct  hit, — that  is,  the 
bomb  must  strike  the  object,  or  within  a  few  feet 
of  it.  Taking  into  consideration  the  various  cur- 
rents of  air  between  the  aeroplane  and  the  earth, 
and  the  high  rate  of  speed  at  which  the  plane  must 
travel,  it  is  evident  that  it  is  very  difficult  to  make  a 
direct  hit.  In  fact  the  chance  of  success  is  about 
one  in  a  hundred. 

To  get  a  concrete  idea  of  the  difficulty,  mount 
a  Fifth  Avenue  bus  travelling  about  fifteen  miles 
per  hour.  Take  an  ordinary  buckshot,  look  over 
the  top  of  the  bus,  [and  try  to  drop  this  shot 
so  that  it  will  hit  or  even  drop  within  two  or  three 
inches  of  a  match  on  the  road.  After  trying  this 
about  one  hundred  times  you  will  appreciate 
the  airman's  little  job  when  he  tries  to  make  a 
direct  hit  with  a  bomb. 

Aeroplanes  in  this  war  are  the  eyes  oj 

The  Eyes  of     ,^         ,  •„ 

the  Artillery    ^^^  artillery. 

You  must  remember  that  during 
all  bombardments  the  artilleryman,  who  actu- 
ally   fires    the    gun,    seldom,    if    ever,    sees    the 


u.  &  u 


British  Airmen. 


u.  &  u. 

German  Dirigible  Returning  to  Potsdam  after  Reconnoitering  Trip. 


©  u.  &  u. 


At  U.  S.  Aviation  Training  Camp. 


**The  Sky-Fighters**  163 

object  fired  at,  and  is  seldom  able  to  observe 
the  effect  of  his  shell.  In  other  words,  the  big 
guns  miles  behind  the  lines  are  practically  blind. 
Of  course,  there  are  observation  posts  in  the 
trenches,  in  trees,  in  buildings,  and  on  high  spots 
of  the  ground.  Observation  officers,  with  power- 
ful glasses,  are  stationed  in  these  posts,  and  through 
telephonic  connection  are  in  constant  touch  with 
their  batteries.  Every  battery  has  what  is  called 
a  range  chart.  Distinctive  objects  in  the  land- 
scape within  the  zone  of  fire  covered  by  this 
particular  battery,  are  noted  on  this  chart,  each 
object  being  numbered  with  its  range.  The 
Observation  Officer,  or  0.  O.,  as  he  is  called, 
telephones  to  the  battery  the  number  and  range 
of  the  object  to  be  fired  at,  and  the  number  of 
rounds  to  be  fired.  Now  these  O.  O.'s  can  only 
observe  and  direct  the  fire  upon  objects  which 
they  can  actually  see,  therefore  it  is  up  to  the 
aeroplanes  to  reconnoiter  and  search  out  enemy 
gims,  moving  troops,  redoubts,  trenches,  etc., 
which  are  obscured  from  the  sight  of  the  Obser- 
vation Officer.  To  do  this  it  is  necessary  in  many 
instances  to  fly  over  and  behind  the  enemy  lines. 
Now  the  question  arises:  Does  the  aeroplane 
have  to  return  to  the  battery  with  this  informa- 


1 64  First  Call 

tion,  or  are  there  ways  in  which  it  can  communi- 
cate the  inteUigence  to  the  battery,  while  in  flight  ? 
Sometimes,  if  the  aeroplane  is  near  the  battery 
and  it  observes  a  fire  objective,  the  information  is 
written  in  code  on  a  slip  of  paper  and  then  enclosed 
in  a  small  metal  tube.  Swooping  low,  the  aero- 
plane drops  this  tube  in  the  near  vicinity  of  the 
battery,  where  it  can  be  readily  secured  by  one 
of  the  artillerymen.  Each  battery  has  a  code 
prearranged  with  its  air  observer,  and  there  are 
men  detailed  to  watch  every  move  of  the  observ- 
ing plane,  through  powerful  field  glasses  or  tele- 
scopes. Signals  are  sent  by  the  aeroplane  in 
its  flight.  Movements  of  the  plane, — a  spiral  in 
the  air,  "looping  the  loop,"  describing  the  fig- 
ure eight,  and  other  eccentric  maneuvers  may 
all  convey  instructions,  as  per  prearranged 
code,  for  the  battery  to  open  fire  on  the  enemy 
objective. 

Frequently  information  is  transmitted  through 
wireless  apparatus,  with  which  nearly  all  aero- 
planes are  equipped. 

Another  and  very  commonly  used  method  of 
conveying  information  is  by  bursts  of  fire  from 
the  machine  gun  which  the  airman  carries.  The 
Morse  telegraph  code  is  used,  and  the  observer  in 


"The  Sky-Fighters**  165 

the  aeroplane  makes  the  dots  and  dashes  by  firing 
his  machine-gun  in  a  certain  way. 
The  aeroplane  is  also  very  useful  for 

.J.  ...  ,       ,  ,  Aeroplane 

raiding  munition  plants,  arsenals,  ammu-  1.. 

nition  dumps,  railroads,  supply  trains, 

and  moving  bodies  of  troops,  but,  as  stated  before, 

these  are  very  difficult  to  hit,  unless  the  aeroplane 

flies  very  low,  and  in  doing  so  it  incurs  great  risk. 

The  practical  uses  of  the  aeroplane  therefore 
may  be  rated  in  value  as  follows : 

First — Artillery  observation. 

Second — Scouting. 

Third — Bombing  raids. 

The  aeroplane  has  eliminated  the  surprise 
attacks,  flank  movements,  and  strategy  of  former 
wars.  Now  modern  warfare  means  digging  and 
living  in  ditches,  hammering  with  artillery,  try- 
ing to  smash  the  other  fellow.  Armies  may  be 
compared  to  two  heavyweights  in  the  ring,  trying 
to  wear  each  other  down  by  showering  blows  on 
the  body,  all  the  fine  foot  work  and  "hit  and  get 
away ' '  methods  being  eliminated.  The  two  armies 
on  the  Western  Front  are  really  nothing  but  two 
grindstones  rubbing  together.  The  one  which 
wears  away  first  will  be  the  vanquished.  If  the 
Allies  can  secure  and  maintain  the  supremacy  of 


i66  First  Call 

the  air  and  so  blind  the  enemy  artillery,  the  issue 
of  the  war  will  never  be  in  doubt.     But  it  will  be 
a  slow,  tedious,  and  costly  process. 
„  There  are   several  ways  of  distin- 

Distinguish     guishing   the  enemy   aeroplanes   from 

eropanes  yQ^^^J■  own.  I  will  give  the  two  main 
ones  that  are  ordinarily  used  by  the  soldier. 
If  the  plane  is  flying  low  enough  it  is  a  simple 
matter,  because  the  enemy's  planes  have  two 
black  "iron  crosses"  on  them,  while  on  the  bottom 
of  the  Allied  planes  are  painted  two  rings,  one 
within  the  other,  thus  resembling  a  red,  white,  and 
blue  target.  The  French  planes  generally  have 
the  tricolor  painted  on  the  rudder.  If  the  planes 
are  flying  too  high  to  distinguish  them,  the  soldier 
depends  on  the  anti-aircraft  guns,  or  "pom-poms," 
for  his  information.  The  Allied  air  shells  give 
forth  a  white  puff  of  smoke  when  exploding,  while 
the  German  shells  emit  black  smoke.  If  you  see 
a  plane  being  shelled  (they  nearly  always  are  being 
shelled,  though  seldom  hit),  and  the  puffs  of  smoke 
are  white,  you  immediately  know  it  is  a  German 
aeroplane,  because  your  own  batteries  are  firing 
at  it.  If  the  puffs  around  the  plane  are  black, 
it  belongs  to  the  Allies,  because  then  German  guns 

are  attacking:. 


©u.  &  u. 

Observation  Post  Built  on  Trees  by  British  Troops. 


r.  &  U. 


British  Anti- Aircraft  Guns  (observer  to  right.) 


•*The  Sky-Fighters**  167 

At  night  it  is  very  easy  to  tell  when  an  aero- 
plane or  airship  is  in  your  vicinity  by  the  loud 
humming  sound  made  by  the  motor. 

If  an  enemy  plane  is  sighted  while  on  the  march 
in  the  daytime,  and  the  order  to  halt  is  given, 
the  troops  should  sit  down  and  be  careful  not  to 
move.  Never  look  up  at  the  plane,  because  white 
faces  can  be  easily  distinguished  by  the  airmen. 

The  esprit  de  corps  of  the  airmen  in 
the  English  army  is  wonderful.  The  ^  Airmen 
Royal  Flying  Corps  has  an  unwritten 
law  that  no  one  man's  deeds  in  this  war  will  be 
exploited,  but  that  the  credit  will  reflect  upon 
the  whole  corps.  In  isolated  cases,  where  the 
Victoria  Cross  has  been  awarded  to  a  flying  man 
for  conspicuous  bravery,  it  has  been  necessary  to 
bring  this  man's  name  before  the  pubHc,  but 
the  announcement  was  neither  made  by  the  man 
himself  nor  the  Royal  Flying  Corps. 

An  airman  must  be  a  quick  thinker,  at  all  times 
ready  to  sacrifice  his  life;  he  must  have  daring 
and  nerve  and  be  perfect  physically  and  mentally. 
I  will  relate  an  incident  which  illustrates  the  need 
of  these  qualities.  No  doubt  by  many  readers  of 
this  book  this  incident  will  be  remembered  as 
happening  in  the  earlier  stages   of  the  war.     A 


1 68  First  Call 

certain  aviator  of  the  Royal  Flying  Corps  went  on 
an  air  raid  into  Belgium;  his  objective  was  to 
bomb  certain  Zeppelin  sheds.  After  a  very  dan- 
gerous flight  these  sheds  were  sighted.  The  Ger- 
mans, having  received  information  that  he  was 
coming  over,  were  ready  for  him.  They  sighted 
the  English  plane,  and  their  anti-aircraft  guns 
got  busy,  but  this  did  not  daunt  the  airman.  He 
"carried  on"  and,  getting  near  the  Zeppelin  sheds 
in  question,  he  decided  to  make  a  low  swoop  in 
order  to  bomb  them.  The  fire  from  the  German 
guns  became  so  intense  and  shells  were  bursting 
so  near  him,  that  he  knew  that  in  a  minute  or  so 
he  and  his  plane  would  be  crippled  and  brought 
to  the  ground. 

Then  his  nerve,  daring,  and  quick  thinking, 
came  to  the  fore.  He  figured  that  he  would  be 
killed  anyway,  as  there  seemed  no  possible  chance 
to  escape  the  intense  shellfire.  So  he  worked 
this  ruse:  when  a  shell  burst  very  near  him,  he 
made  his  plane  swerve,  drop,  and  describe  queer 
evolutions  in  the  air,  giving  the  German  gunners 
the  impression  that  he  had  been  hit.  Their  fire 
ceased  immediately  and  they  rushed  toward  the 
Zeppelin  shed  at  which  they  figured  the  aero- 
plane  would    crash    to    the    earth.     Executing   a 


'Ijl.  &  u. 


German  Bomb-Dropping  Taube. 


.'i^^^^i^A 


(ii/  U .  <5c  U . 

French  Sausage  Balloon  Rising  from  Immense  Mine-Crater. 


'/ 


©  u.  &  u. 


French  Military  Dirigible. 


lU.  &  u. 


Captured  German  Fokker  on  Exhibition  in  Paris. 


•*The  Sky-Fighters**  169 

"nose  dive,"  the  aviator  came  within  a  few  feet 
of  the  Zeppelin  shed,  then,  righting  his  plane,  he 
dropped  a  bomb  which  landed  squarely  on  the 
roof  of  the  shed,  completely  destroying  the  shed 
and  the  Zeppelin  and  many  of  the  Germans  who 
had  rushed  to  witness  his  death.  Then  climbing 
rapidly,  before  the  amazed  Germans  came  to 
their  senses,  he  was  practically  safe  from  their 
anti-aircraft  guns.  The  aviator  returned  safely 
to  the  English  lines.  This  was  his  comment  on 
the  published  report  of  his  wonderful  achievement : 

"It  was  a  case  of  doing  something  quickly  to 
save  my  skin.  It  was  very  lucky  indeed  that 
my  bomb  landed  on  the  shed.  The  thing  itself 
was  quite  easy  and  simple  and  I  succeeded  only 
through  the  stupidity  of  the  Germans." 

The  fact  of  the  matter  was  that  this  airman  felt 
in  his  own  heart  and  soul  that  he  was  going  to 
be  killed  and  he  quickly  determined  that  he  would 
do  as  much  damage  as  possible  before  they  got 
him.     Such  is  the  caliber  of  the  airmen. 


AIRPI.ANt;    MARKINGS 


CHAPTER  XXI 

THE   GUNS 

nnO  the  average  civilian,  artillery  is  a  vague 
■*•  term.  He  pictures  monstrous  guns,  manned 
by  sweating  crews  and  belching  forth  fire,  smoke, 
and  shells  into  the  enemy  territory.  He  thinks 
it  must  be  glorious  to  man  a  gun  and  watch  your 
shells  smash  trenches,  houses,  dugouts,  and  woods. 
Then  in  fancy  he  sees  the  lighter  guns,  with  cais- 
sons and  limbers  drawn  by  eight  to  sixteen  power- 
ful horses,  dashing  madly  over  the  open  spaces, 
with  shells  bursting  all  around,  and  he  glories  in 
it  all.  But  the  artillery  on  the  Western  Front  is 
very  different  from  this  highly- colored  picture. 

Artillery  fire  is  a  science,  and  is  directed  and 
controlled  by  cool  calculation  of  numbers, — in 
fact,  it  is  more  or  less  a  mathematical  problem. 
The  gunner  does  sweat  and  he  is  under  shell  fire, 
but  he  seldom  if  ever  sees  the  object  fired  at,  or 
the  direct  effect  of  his  bursting  shell. 

170 


The  Guns  171 

One  of  the  most  important  things  to 

Camouflage 
make  the  artillery  efficient  is  proper 

concealment  from  enemy  observation.  This  con- 
cealment, or  camoiiflage,  has  in  the  last  eighteen 
months  of  the  war  developed  into  a  science. 
Batteries  so  conceal  their  guns  by  digging  emplace- 
ments in  the  ground,  and  using  wire  screens  and 
brushwood  and  painted  canvas,  that  it  is  almost 
impossible  for  an  observing  enemy  plane  to  locate 
them.  Not  only  do  the  armies  conceal  their 
guns,  but  they  camouflage  the  roads  which  lead 
to  them,  and  over  which  ammunition,  supplies, 
and  troops  are  brought.  High  screens,  painted 
to  resemble  the  surrounding  terrain,  are  nailed 
to  posts  along  the  edges  of  the  road.  Roads  are 
also  roofed  with  painted  screens  in  such  a  clever 
manner  that  they  defy  enemy  air  observation. 
All  work,  to  escape  observation,  must  necessarily 
be  done  at  night.  If  the  job  cannot  be  completed 
before  daybreak,  the  workers,  just  before  dawn, 
camouflage  their  work  with  screens,  sandbags, 
dirt,  sod,  or  branches  of  trees,  according  to  the 
nature  of  the  surrounding  ground,  thus  prevent- 
ing enemy  aeroplanes  from  reporting  their 
activities. 

A  much-used  and  successful  ruse  of  the  artillery 


172  First  Call 

is  mounting  dummy  guns,  so  that  they  may  be 
observed  by  enemy  air  scouts.  The  real  guns 
are  located  either  well  in  front,  to  the  rear,  or  to 
the  right  and  left  of  the  dummy.  The  range  of 
the  camouflage  gun  is  communicated  to  the 
enemy  artillery,  and  it  is  only  a  short  time  before 
shells  begin  to  drop  around  it,  while  the  real  guns 
are  firing  in  comparative  safety. 

Another  ruse  used  by  the  artillery  to  deceive 
enemy  gunners  is  worked  in  the  following  way : 

Several  shells  are  "dudded"  or  fixed  so  they 

will  not  explode  and  then  are  fired  into  the  enemy 

lines,  the  time  fuses  having  been  set  so  as  to  give 

the  enemy  the  impression  that  the  batteries  firing 

the  shells  are  either  very  close  or  far  away.     The 

enemy  artillerymen  dig  up  these  "duds,"  examine 

the  time  fuses,  and,  as  they  think,  get  the  exact 

range   of   the   English   battery.     This   trick   has 

become  time-worn,  and  only  a  green  artilleryman 

will  fall  for  it.     Still  there  are  a  good  many  green 

artillerymen  left  in  the  German   army,  judging 

from  some  of  the  stunts  that  the   British   put 

over  on  them. 

On  the  Western  Front  the  smaller 

Disposition     caliber  guns  are  nearest  the  firing  Hne, 

of  Batteries  ^  .  s  ' 

fifteen   and   eighteen   pounders   being 


_£  ■■-  -a-^LS, 


e  I'.  ^:    i--- 


Camouflage  Protecting  Italian  Line  of  Communication. 


w:^. 


©  u.  &  u. 
Using  a  Cow  for  Camouflage.     The  Animal  is  Actually  Standing  on 
Roof  of  a  Concealed  Battery. 


The  Guns  i73 

first.  They  range  back  until  the  heaviest,  the  9.2 
or  fifteen-inch  howitzer  is  reached,  thousands  of 
yards  behind  the  front-Hne  trench.  Smaller  guns 
are  used  for  demohshing  enemy  barbed  wire  and 
shelling  his  troops  with  shrapnel,  while  the  larger 
caliber  shells  are  used  for  searching  out  dugouts, 
ammunition  dumps,  artillery  emplacements,  and 
for  shelling  villages,  etc. 

The  hardest  work  of  the  artillery  is  not  during 
a  bombardment,  but  after  the  infantry  has 
pushed  well  into  the  German  lines  and  consoli- 
dated the  captured  positions.  Then  the  guns  have 
to  be  moved  up  across  shell-destroyed  territory, 
the  wheels  often  sinking  up  to  the  hub  in  gluey, 
sticky  mud.  Those  of  larger  caliber  have  to  be 
slowly  snaked  along,  foot  by  foot,  by  huge  tractors 
and  caterpillar  engines,  and  new  concrete  emplace- 
ments must  be  constructed.  It  is  a  giant  task 
but  somehow  or  other  the  artilleryman  gets  away 
with  it. 

The  French  "Seventy-five"  is  the  The  Famous 
finest  gun  of  its  caHber  in  this  war.  it"Seventy-five'» 
fires  a  shell  2.99  inches  in  diameter.  One  strong 
point  in  favor  of  the  "seventy-five"  is  that  it  does 
not  have  to  be  relayed,  the  recoil  being  so  adjusted 
that  it  throws  the  gun  back  into  its  original  firing 


174  ^^''s*  ^^^ 

position.  If  pushed,  the  French  "seventy-five" 
can  fire  thirty  shots  per  minute.  It  is  amusing 
to  witness  a  battery  of  these  guns  in  action.  To 
the  layman  it  is  confusion, — French  soldiers  run 
around,  carrying  shells  in  their  arms  like  babies, 
colliding  with  each  other,  and  begging  each  other's 
pardon.  You  marvel  at  it,  for  in  spite  of  all  this 
seeming  confusion,  the  old  gun  is  rapidly  spitting 
fire  and  pong,  pong,  ponging  away.  The  ' '  seventy- 
five"  is  the  French  artilleryman's  sweetheart. 
I  have  seen  a  Frenchman  go  up  to  a  "seventy- 
five,"  throw  his  arms  around  the  gun,  and  kiss  it 
several  times,  crooning  to  it  as  if  it  were  his  child 
and  crying  "Vive  la  France!"  He  looks  upon 
this  gun  as  the  savior  of  France. 

„,    „.,  Fifteen-inch  howitzers  must  be  fired 

The  Fifteen- 
inch  from  sound-proof  dugouts;  in  fact  the 

Howitzer  concussion  is  so  great  that  tiles  and 
plaster  on  the  roof  of  nearby  billets  are  loosened 
and  fall  after  each  discharge.  The  gun  is  gener- 
ally located  in  a  wood,  and  immediately  after 
it  has  been  fired,  for  yards  and  yards  around,  the 
trees  bend  and  wave  as  if  a  cyclone  were  passing. 
It  is  quite  a  shock  to  a  soldier,  peacefully  wending 
his  way  down  a  road,  to  hear  suddenly,  fifty  or 
sixty  yards  to  his  right  or  left,  the  9.2  or  fifteen- 


I  u.  &  u. 


Austrian  Skoda  Gun. 


Krupp  Siege  Mortar. 


lU.  &  u. 
Famous  "French  Seventy-Five,"  often  called  "The  Savior  of  France." 


©  U.  &  U. 


British  Howitzer. 
(Note  Camouflage  over  Gun.) 


The  Guns  I75 

inch  howitzer  open  up.    The  concussion  is  horrible. 
In  fact,  the  soldier  often  thinks  a  German  shell 
has  registered  a  direct  hit  upon  his  steel  helmet. 
Shrapnel  is  perhaps  the  most  com- 

Shrapnel 

monly  used  word  in  this  war.  You 
hear  it  everywrhere,  you  read  it  everywhere,  but 
how  many  really  know  what  it  is?  Even  on  the 
Western  Front,  if  you  should  ask  a  soldier  who 
is  not  an  artilleryman,  to  describe  shrapnel,  his 
description  would  be  vague  and  unconvincing. 
To  the  draftman,  no  doubt,  "shrapnel"  looms  up 
like  some  monstrous  giant,  ready  to  gobble  him 
up  as  soon  as  he  lands  in  France.  Forget  it. 
Shrapnel's  bark  is  worse  than  its  bite. 

I  have  gone  down  a  road  in  rear  of  the  front  line 
which  was  being  shelled  with  shrapnel.  In  several 
instances,  shrapnel  balls  kicked  up  the  dust  a 
few  feet  from  me,  but  I  came  through  without  a 
scratch.  If  you  will  realize  that  you  only  occupy 
a  ver\''  small  place  and  that  shrapnel  has  the 
remainder  of  France  in  which  to  scatter  itself,  it 
will  be  comparatively  easy  to  figure  out  the  chance 
of  being  hit. 

Shrapnel  is  a  shell  loaded  with  small  steel  or 
iron  balls  about  the  size  of  a  marble,  imbedded  in 
rosin.     It  carries  a  time  fuse  and  bursting  charge. 


176  First  Call 

This  time  fuse  is  "set"  before  placing  the  shell 
in  the  breech  of  the  gun,  and  can  be  timed  so 
that  the  shell  will  explode  over  the  desired  spot, 
presuming,  of  course,  that  the  range  is  correct. 

Upon  firing,  the  empty  shell  case  is  left  in  the 
breech  of  the  gun,  just  as  in  a  shot  gun.  The 
complete  shrapnel,  time  fuse,  etc.,  make  rapid 
revolutions  (caused  by  the  rifling  of  the  gun) ,  and 
travel  at  a  high  rate  of  velocity.  The  flash  from 
the  fuse  ignites  the  powder  in  the  pocket  and  the 
diaphragm  is  driven  forward,  separating  the  pow- 
der pocket  from  the  part  containing  the  shrapnel 
balls.  This  separates  the  fuse  body  from  the 
end  of  the  shell  casing  while  the  forward  end  of 
the  shell  casing  is  greatly  arrested.  On  leaving 
the  casing,  the  diaphragm  plows  through  the 
shrapnel  balls,  scattering  them  all  around,  the 
rosin  in  which  they  were  embedded  having  been 
melted  by  the  explosion  and  the  friction  caused 
by  driving  the  shrapnel  and  rosin  from  the  shrapnel 
casing. 

The  exploding  powder  forms  gases,  which,  issu- 
ing from  the  end  of  the  casing,  add  still  further 
velocity  to  the  balls,  making  them  destructive 
within  a  radius  of  sixty  feet  or  more  from  the 
point  where  the  shrapnel  breaks. 


The  Guns  177 

After  the  break  or  explosion  of  a  shrapnel,  the 
nose  cap  or  head  of  the  shell  continues  advancing, 
followed  by  the  diaphragm,  powder  tube,  the 
spread  of  shrapnel,  etCo  The  casing,  losing  its 
momentum,  falls  to  the  ground. 

Shrapnel  which  breaks  properly  does  not 
scatter  fragments  of  its  shell,  but  if  the  time  fuse 
is  defective  and  the  shell  fails  to  break  in  the  air 
it  hits  the  ground,  explodes  on  contact,  and  frag- 
ments of  the  steel  shell  are  scattered  in  all  direc- 
tions. Damage  caused  by  flying  fragments  of 
steel  shell  is  frequently  credited  to  shrapnel, 
when  really  it  is  the  result  of  the  explosion  of  a 
H.  E.  or  high  explosive  shell. 

In  the  fire  trench  digging  shrapnel  balls  out 
of  the  parados  or  rear  wall  of  the  trench,  is  one  of 
the  indoor  sports.  It  is  easy  to  collect  a  pocket- 
ful of  these  missiles  after  a  shrapnel  bombardment. 
I  have  seen  several  bombardments  which  did  not 
produce  a  single  casualty  in  our  ranks — so  do  not 
be  afraid  of  Mr.  Shrapnel  when  you  hear  him  on 
the  way. 

If    a    body    of    troops    is    suddenly  Artille 

shelled  when  marching  down   a   field.       Formation 

,1  .  1  r  -.•  t,'  t,        under  Fire 

there   is   only    one    formation    which 

will    prevent    heavy    casualties.     If    the    troops 


178  First  Call 

scatter  and  flee  in  all  directions,  many  will  be 
killed,  and  the  command  will  be  demoralized. 

We  will  say  a  battalion  of  four  companies  is 
marching  in  columns  of  fours  down  a  road.  Sud- 
denly enemy  artillery  opens  up.  Two  sharp 
whistle  blasts  are  blown  from  the  head  of  the 
column.  The  leading  company  immediately  goes 
to  the  right  into  a  field  on  the  side  of  the  road, 
the  second  company  going  into  the  field  on  the 
left  of  the  road,  the  third  company  taking  the 
right  of  the  road,  and  the  rear  company  taking 
the  left.  Then  the  companies  divide  into  platoons, 
the  platoons  into  squads,  dotting  the  fields  like 
checkers  on  a  checker  board.  The  first  four  lie 
flat  on  the  ground,  the  second  four  crouching  as 
low  as  possible  over  them,  the  third  four  kneeling, 
and  so  on,  the  men  remaining  motionless.  This 
is  called  artillery  formation  and  on  the  Western 
Front  is  very  effective  against  shell  fire. 

A  soldier  under  fire  for  the  first 
Listmctfor  ^[j^q  jg  naturally  very  nervous  and 
agitated.  He  hears  a  shell  come 
screaming  over  and  instinctively  runs  to  any 
object  for  protection,  even  if  it  is  only  the 
painted  screen  of  a  wall.  This  instinct  for  cover 
is   very   human.      I   have   seen    a   man,    during 


The  Guns  179 

a  heavy  bombardment,  crouch  behind  a  bush 
on  the  roadside,  apparently  satisfied  that  he 
was  safe.  He  did  not  seem  to  be  very  worried 
because  he  was  smoking  a  cigarette.  In  the  front- 
Hne  trenches  ponchos  or  waterproof  sheets  are 
spread  during  rainy  weather  across  the  top  of  the 
trench,  the  men  getting  under  these  sheets  for 
shelter  from  the  rain.  They  hear  a  shell  coming 
over  and  there  is  a  mad  rush  to  get  under  this 
rubber  protection,  and  the  fellow  who  is  left  in 
the  open  feels  very  much  afraid. 

It  is  really  pitiful — this  instinct  for  cover,  but 
in  some  cases  still  it  has  its  amusing  side.  There 
was  a  Jock  of  the  London-Scottish  who  was 
bringing  up  through  a  communication  trench  a 
jar  of  rum  for  the  morning's  rum  issue.  The 
Germans  opened  up  suddenly  with  a  few  "Whizz 
Bangs."  The  Scottie  ducked,  and,  keeping  the 
rum  in  front  of  him,  commenced  to  run  forward 
until  the  voice  of  his  sergeant  arrested  him  with: 
"Put  that  jar  behind  you;  do  you  want  it  to  get 
hit?"  The  jar  of  rum  safely  reached  the  front- 
line trench,  and  I  suppose  the  sergeant  took  all 
the  credit  for  his  presence  of  mind. 

This  instinct  is  so  common  that  the  new  recruit, 
when  he  reaches  the  zone  of  fire,  will  actually 


i8o  First  Call 

imagine  that  every  rifle  and  gun  in  the  German 
Army  is  aimed  at  him.  They  are  not.  In  fact 
the  Germans  do  not  know  you  have  enlisted. 
Figure  out  the  nimiber  of  bullets  that  miss  and  the 
very  few  that  hit,  then  shake  hands  with  yourself 
and  "  carry  on"  the  good  work  of  "  strafeing  Fritz." 


CHAPTER  XXII 

TRENCHES  AND  REST  BILLETS 

THE  average  person  has  a  very  vague  idea  of 
the  construction  of  a  front-line  trench  or 
fire  trench.  A  short  explanation  may  not  be 
amiss. 

The  front  line  or  fire  trench  as  it  is 
known  is  the   trench  nearest  to  the  ^     tnictio 
enemy.     In   front    of  the   fire  trench 
is   a  barbed-wire   entanglement.     This   wire   en- 
tanglement   is    constructed    slightly    lower    than 
the  parapet  of  the  trench  and  about  ten  feet  in 
front  of  it  so  that  the  sentries  in  the  trenches  may 
observe  and  fire  over  the  top  of  the  wire.     The 
barbed     wire-entanglement     consists     simply     of 
stakes  about  three  feet  high,  driven  firmly  into 
the  ground  to  an  average  depth  of  twenty  feet 
and  about  two  to  three  feet  apart.     That  is,  the 
barbed-wire   entanglement   is   about  twenty  feet 
deep  and  miles  long.     The  wire  is  twined  around 

i8l 


1 82  First  Call 

the  stakes  in  such  a  manner  that  it  is  a  physical 
impossibihty  for  soldiers  to  go  through  the  entangle- 
ment unless  it  has  previously  been  blown  up  by 
shell  fire  or  cut  with  wire  cutters. 

The  fire  trench  is  divided  into  fire  bays,  the  fire 
bay  being  the  distance  between  two  traverses. 
The  average  fire  bay  on  the  Western  front  is  about 
thirty  feet  long.  The  traverse  is  merely  a  barri- 
cade in  the  trench  reinforced  with  sandbags  i  and 
revetted  with  branches  of  trees  to  prevent  the  earth 
from  caving  in  during  wet  weather  and  thus  block- 
ing the  traffic  in  the  trench.  The  traverses  are 
used  to  prevent  enfilading  fire.  Suppose  a  trench 
were  built  in  a  direct  line  without  any  barricades. 
If  the  Germans  should  take  a  section  of  the  trench 
on  the  right  or  left  it  wotild  be  an  easy  matter  foi 
them  to  moimt  a  machine  gim  and  wipe  out  these 
straightaway  trenches  for  a  distance  of  hundreds 
of  yards  (the  range  of  the  Vickers  machine  gun 
being  2800  yards) .  In  a  traversed  trench,  however, 
enfilading  fire  is  prevented.  Furthermore,  if  a 
shell  should  burst  in  a  straightaway  trench  it  would 
wound  or  kill  men  on  its  right  and  left,  according  to 
the  calibre  and  force  of  its  explosion.  But  if  a 
shell  should  drop  into  the  fire  bay  where  the  trench 
is  traversed  it  could  only  kill  or  wound  the  men 


DUGOUTS 


BOMB  STORE  MACHIhlE 


Diagram  of  Fire,  Support 
(Not  dr 


>/ EMPLACEMENT 


ADVANCED   FI.'=iST  AID  DUGOUT 


Communication  Trenches. 
o  scale.) 


Trenches  and  Rest  Billets  183 

occupying  that  fire  bay,  the  traverses  protecting 
the  men  in  the  fire  bays  on  the  right  and 
left. 

The  front  wall  of  the  trench  is  called  the  para- 
pet, and  the  rear  wall  is  called  the  parados.  The 
top  of  the  front  wall  of  a  fire  trench  or  parapet  is 
reinforced  with  two  to  four  layers  of  sandbags. 
These  sandbags  are  covered  with  dirt.  Cleverly 
disguised  loopholes  for  sniping  and  observation 
purposes  are  constructed  in  the  front  wall  or  para- 
pet of  the  trench. 

Saps  or  trenches  run  from  the  fire  trench,  clev- 
erly disguised,  underneath  the  barbed  wire  and 
out  in  to  No  Man's  Land  and  are  known  as  listen- 
ing posts  or  bombing  saps. 

At  the  bottom  of  the  front  wall  of  the  fire  bay 
is  constructed  a  heavy  wooden  platform  about  two 
feet  wide  and  about  two  and  a  half  feet  high,  heav- 
ily reinforced  underneath  with  sandbags  or  earth. 
This  platform  is  called  the  fire  step,  and  by  standing 
on  it  soldiers  at  night  can  look  over  the  top  of  the 
trench  in  the  direction  of  the  German  lines,  listen- 
ing and  observing  for  undue  activities  on  the  part 
of  the  Germans  in  No  Man's  Land,  such  as  working 
parties,  wiring  parties,  bombing  raids,  reconnoiter- 
ing  patrols.     During  an  attack  the  soldier  standing 


i84  First  Call 

in  the  fire  step  can  rest  his  rifle  on  the  parapet, 
mount  a  machine  gun  on  it,  and  thus  cover  the 
advancing  enemy  with  his  fire. 

The  average  EngHsh  trench  is  between  six  to 
eight  feet  deep  while  that  of  the  German  averages 
eight  to  ten  feet. 

Dugouts  with  shell-proof  covers  and  bomb  stores 
are  sometimes  built  into  the  front  wall  of  the  trench 
but  are  usually  constructed  in  the  parados,  nearly 
always  in  the  rear  of  a  traverse,  the  traverse  thus 
preventing  enemy  fire  from  enfilading  the  entrance 
of  dugouts. 

The  communication  trenches  generally  join  the 
front-line  trench  in  the  rear  of  the  traverse  for  the 
same  reason.  Communication  trenches  are  built 
in  zigzag  formation,  the  zigzag  taking  place  of 
traverses  and  preventing  enfilading  fire  In  nearly 
all  sectors  of  the  line  on  the  Western  front  com- 
munication trenches  are  about  three  feet  wide  and 
are  used  as  ' '  one-way ' '  streets.  These  ' '  one-way ' ' 
streets  prevent  confusion  in  the  relief  of  battalions 
in  trenches.  One  communication  trench  is  used 
for  the  entrance  of  troops  and  the  other  for  the 
departure  of  troops.  Runners  or  orderlies,  how- 
ever, and  stretcher-bearers,  officers,  bombers,  and 
machine    gunners    can    leave    or    enter    without 


Trenches  and  Rest  Billets  185 

regarding  the  ' '  one  way  "  rule.  In  all  communica- 
tion trenches  recesses  are  built  in  at  certain  in- 
tervals, in  order  that  stretcher  bearers,  ration 
carriers,  etc.,  may  step  into  the  recess  while  incom- 
ing or  outgoing  troops  are  passing. 

In  the  rear  of  the  front  line  there  generally  runs 
a  support  trench.  This,  like  the  fire  trench,  is 
equipped  with  a  fire  step  and  barbed- wire  entangle- 
ments. It  is  the  trench  from  which  supplies  such 
as  bombs,  ammunition,  food,  etc.,  and  also  rein- 
forcements can  be  quickly  supplied  to  the  fire 
trench.  It  also  affords  a  retreat  for  troops  who 
have  been  driven  out  of  the  front-line  trench.  It 
is  more  or  less  of  a  fort. 

In  the  support  and  communication  trenches, 
dugouts  are  built,  some  of  them  being  used  for 
advanced  first-aid  dressing  stations.  The  communi- 
cation trenches,  some  of  them  over  a  mile  in  length, 
run  back  into  roads  or  villages.  All  communication, 
fire,  and  support  trenches,  etc.,  are  named  and  at 
the  entrance  of  same  will  be  found  guide  posts  in- 
scribed with  the  names  and  perhaps  arrows  point- 
ing and  telling  where  the  trench  leads.  You  must 
understand  that  when  you  get  into  trenches  you 
are  more  or  less  in  a  mystic  maze  and  cannot  ob- 
serve  the   surrounding   country.     Therefore   you 


i86  First  Call 

must  rely  on  these  sign  posts  to  guide  you  to  the 
desired  points  on  the  line. 

In  entering  a  communication  trench  the  soldier 
descends  two  or  three  steps  or  goes  down  a  gradual 
incline  until  the  trench  has  reached  a  depth  of  six 
feet  or  over.  Immediately  in  the  rear  of  these 
trenches  there  generally  is  a  village  where  reserve 
troops  are  quartered,  occupying  bomb-proof  cellars 
dug  deep  below  ruined  houses.  These  are  rein- 
forced by  sandbags  and  are  supposed  to  be 
bomb-proof  unless  a  shell  registers  a  direct  hit 
on  them. 

A  few  hundred  yards  behind  the  front-line  trench 
you  usually  find  a  road  with  steep  banks  on  each 
side.  In  these  banks  are  huge  elephant  dugouts 
twenty  to  thirty  feet  deep.  These  dugouts  are 
supported  by  immense  steel  girders  resembling 
ribs  of  an  elephant;  hence  their  name.  One  of 
these  dugouts  can  comfortably  accommodate  thirty 
to  fifty  men  and  they  connect  with  each  other  by 
underground  passageways.  Reserve  troops  gen- 
erally occupy  the  dugouts  which  are  safe  from 
machine  gun  and  rifle  fire  and  small  caHber  shells. 
Dressing  stations  are  also  located  in  these  dugouts. 
When  you  come  to  a  ruined  village  immediately 
behind  the  lines  for  the  first  time  it  seems  only  a 


Trenches  and  Rest  Billets  187 

scene  of  destruction  and  desolation  and  it  is  hard 
to  realize  that  the  ground  underneath  is  honey- 
combed with  passageways  and  dugouts  and  that 
thousands  of  troops  are  quartered  there  out  of 
sight  and  safe  from  enemy  fire. 

Rest  billets  are  simply  villages  or  towns  con- 
verted into  quarters  or  billets  for  troops.     Troops, 
when  little  or  no  shelling  is  going  on, 
occupy  the  houses  themselves,  ^but  m  b'uT 

case  of  shell  fire  they  immediately 
retire  to  bomb-proof  cellars  dug  beneath  the  vil- 
lage. Although  they  are  called  rest  billets  usually 
a  soldier  prefers  to  rest  in  a  fire  trench  instead  of 
doing  the  work  he  gets  in  the  rest  billets.  They 
are  simply  headquarters  for  troops  who  are  relieved 
from  the  front  line  or  fire  sector  and  while  here, 
the  men  drill,  repair  roads,  dig  trenches,  form  work- 
ing parties,  carrying-in  parties,  etc.,  and  are  gen- 
erally maids  of  all  work  for  the  men  up  the  line. 
On  the  Western  front  a  soldier  must  be  kept  busy, 
otherwise  the  time  hangs  on  his  hands  and  he  gets 
into  mischief  with  resulting  lack  of  efficiency  and 
discipHne.  While  occupying  rest  billets  a  soldier 
must  keep  himself  scrupulously  clean,  clean- 
shaven, his  boots  polished,  equipment  in  apple  pie 
order,  and  as  "fit"  as  possible.     The  billets  are 


188  First  Call 

constantly  swept  out,  and  the  soldiers  are  reqtiired 
to  take  baths  and  change  their  underwear,  but  in 
spite  of  these  precautions  the  "cootie"  is  ever 
present. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

FROM  MY  TRENCH  NOTE  BOOK 

V^OU  remember  the  old  adage : 

"For  want  of  a  nail  the  shoe  was  lost; 
For  want  of  a  shoe  the  horse  was  lost ; 
For  want  of  a  horse  the  rider  was  lost ; 
For  want  of  a  rider  the  battle  was  lost ; 
For  want  of  a  battle,  the  nation  was  lost; 
And  all  for  want  of  a  horseshoe  nail!" 

The  moral  of  this  ancient  adage  is  as  sound  in 
this  great  war  as  in  any  of  old.  So  before  dis- 
cussing any  more  of  the  phases  of  life  on  the 
Western  Front,  I  am  going  to  give  a  few  sugges- 
tions about  little  things  that  I  learned  through 
hard  experience. 

When  a  soldier    enters  the  fire,    or  front-line 

trench,  he  generally  is  very  curious  and  wants  to 

poke  his  nose  into  everything.     He  has  a  great 

desire  to  look  "over  the  top"  of  the  parapet  and 

get  a  glimpse  of  the  German  lines.     Restrain  this 

189 


19©  First  Call 

curiosity,  because  it  is  liable  to  result  in  serious 
injury  to  yourself.  You  must  remember  that  the 
Germans  have  a  wonderfully  efficient  system  of 
sniping  and  are  always  waiting  for  someone  to 
expose  himself. 

In  the  daytime  never  look  "over  the 
Head  Down  ^°P"  ^i^less  you  are  Ordered  to  do  so. 
If  your  curiosity  is  so  strong  that  it 
gets  the  better  of  your  good  judgment,  take  a 
peep  through  a  periscope,  but  never  bother  or 
distract  the  sentry  on  duty  at  a  periscope  by  ask- 
ing him  questions. 

After  looking  through  a  periscope  you  will  be 
disappointed, — all  you  will  be  able  to  see  is 
barbed  wire,  an  expanse  of  dirt,  then  the  German 
barbed  wire,  and  their  trenches.  These  simply 
appear  as  thin  white  or  yellow  lines  on  the 
ground. 

To  make  a  periscope  of  your  own,  take  a  small 
mirror,  tightly  tie  a  piece  of  string  or  wire  around 
it.  Insert  the  point  of  your  bayonet  between  the 
string  or  wire  and  the  back  of  the  mirror.  Sitting 
on  the  fire  step,  close  up  against  the  parapet,  raise 
the  mirror,  tilting  it  slightly  backward,  imtil  you 
get  a  view  of  No  Man's  Land.  Do  not  keep  the 
mirror  up  very  long,  especially  if  the  sun  is  shining, 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  191 

because  the  rays  will  attract  German  snipers  and 
draw  their  fire,  and  perhaps  a  bullet  will  hit  your 
bayonet  and  ricochet  into  the  trench,  woimding 
or  killing  someone. 

If  fo^  any  reason  you  have  to  fire  or  look  "over 
the  top"  in  the  daytime,  do  it  very  quickly  and 
duck  as  soon  as  possible.  Never  put  your  head 
up  or  fire  twice  in  the  same  place,  because  you  may 
have  been  spotted  by  an  enemy  sniper  and  he 
doubtless  has  his  rifle  aimed  at  that  particular 
spot,  waiting  for  your  head  to  reappear.  The 
first  rule  in  trench  warfare  is,  ''Keep  your  head 
down. " 

If  while  leaning  against  the  parapet  you  place 
your  rifle  on  the  fire  step,  always  be  sure  that 
the  bayonet  does  not  protrude  "over  the  top." 
(Bayonets  are  always  kept  fixed  in  the  trenches.) 
It  will  reflect  the  sun's  rays  and  will  draw  enemy 
fire  and  perhaps  deflect  a  bullet  into  the  trench 
with  evil  results. 

Observe  the  same  caution  at  night 
when  on  guard,  with  your  head  sticking         Bayonet 
"over  the  top."     I   always  found   it 
best  to  lay  my  rifle  flat  on  the  top,  with  the  muzzle 
pointing  toward  the  enemy,  the  right  hand  resting 
on   the   small   of  the  stock.     If  you  adopt   this 


192  First  Call 

position,  your  rifle  is  handy  and  is  aimed  in  the 

right  direction,  if  you  have  to  fire  quickly. 

_  , , .  ,  Never  throw  rubbish,  the  remains  of 

Rubbish 

your  rations,  or  tin  cans,  out  in  front  of 
your  trench.  This  is  Hable  to  cause  ricochets ;  the 
rations  will  not  only  feed  the  rats  but,  after  decay- 
ing, will  often  cause  disease.  Remember  it  is  a 
court-martial  offense  to  do  this. 
_   ,    ,  ,  If  for  any  reason  you  have  to  pass 

Bashed  In  •'  •'  ^ 

a  low  and  exposed  part  of  the  para- 
pet, smashed  by  a  German  shell,  bend  low  as  you 
pass;  do  not  think  it  is  a  sign  of  bravery  to  pass 
an  opening  standing  up;  it  is  only  foolhardiness. 
Remember  that  German  snipers  nearly  always 
have  "set"  rifles  aimed  at  these  low  spots,  waiting 
for  a  victim  to  pass.  If  you  are  carrying  a  board, 
or  anything  that  is  long  and  clumsy  through  the 
trench,  do  not  carry  it  so  that  the  end  sticks  "over 
the  top";  be  especially  careful  if  during  your  trip 
you  must  pass  a  low  or  dangerous  spot  in  the 
trench.  The  German  snipers  can  see  the  end  of 
the  object  you  are  carrying  and  of  course  realize 
that  you  must  pass  the  dangerous  place.  They 
do  not  fire  at  the  object  you  are  carrying  but  aim 
their  rifles  or  a  machine  gun  at  this  point.  By 
following  the  course  of  the  moving  object  they 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  193 

know  just  when  you  will  expose  yourself.  Crack! 
a  bullet  gets  you  and  then  it  is  "Stretcher-bearers 
on  the  double" ;  you  are  either  killed,  wounded,  or 
scared  to  death. 

At  night,  while  in  a  trench,  never 
light  a  match  or  show  a  light,  because  °^  Lights 
your  sentries  are  on  watch,  with  their 
heads  "over  the  top."  They  will  be  silhouetted 
against  the  glare  of  your  light, — firing  results,  and 
perhaps  a  casualty.  It  is  a  very  grave  offense 
to  show  a  light  at  night  in  a  trench. 

In  the  daytime,  when  heating  or  cooking  rations, 
be  careful  not  to  make  any  smoke,  as  this  will 
draw  enemy  shell  fire. 

Also  do  not  sing  or  make  undue  noise  that 
can  be  heard  in  the  enemy  lines,  because  it 
will  be  followed  by  a  few  "Whizz-Bangs"  or 
"Minnies." 

Still  another  important  caution :  When  you  ar- 
rive in  the  sector  immediately  in  rear  of  the  fire 
and  support  trenches,  do  not  use  flash  lights. 
Bear  this  in  mind  especially  when  going  through 
communication  trenches.  Thirty  to  forty  per 
cent,  of  the  men  on  the  other  side  buy  these  lights, 
as  they  are  very  useful  behind  the  lines,  but  many 

a  poor  soldier  has  "Gone  West,"  simply  because 
13 


194  First  Call 

someone  was  careless  in  showing  a  light  within 

the  fire  zone. 

When  starting  a  fire  in  a  front  line 
Fires  ^ 

trench,  cut  up  little  dry  sticks  or 
shavings  and  use  charcoal,  if  obtainable;  then  you 
v/ill  be  safe  from  telltale  smoke  which  will  draw 
enemy  fire.  Be  very  careful  of  the  use  of  charcoal 
in  dugouts,  especially  if  the  ventilation  is  poor, 
because  the  charcoal  will  use  up  the  oxygen  in  the 
air  and  cause  severe  headaches,  or  even  death. 

Remember    that   when    you    "take 

Beds  •' 

over"  new  billets  after  a  march,  it  is 
up  to  you  to  secure  a  good  "kip"  or  comfortable 
sleeping  place.  Don't  be  lazy;  get  busy,  or  else 
the  other  fellow  will  beat  you  to  it.  After  picking 
out  your  sleeping  place,  dump  your  equipment  on 
it;  this  establishes  your  claim.  Then  go  to  the 
Quartermaster  stores  and  beg,  steal,  or  buy  an 
emptv  ammunition  tin  or  wooden  box.  You  do 
not  want  your  rations  to  become  covered  with  dust 
or  to  be.chewed  up  by  your  ever-present  neighbors, 
the  rats,  so  use  the  aforesaid  tin  or  box  in  this 
manner:  Nail  it  above  your  head,  about  two  feet 
from  the  ground.  If  you  do  this,  you  can  place 
your  candle  on  your  ration  box  when  lying  down 
and   so   can   read   or   write  letters  by  the  light. 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  195 

Another  reason  is  that  your  rations  are  within 
reach;  if  you  happen  to  get  hungry  in  the  night, 
you  will  not  disturb  the  other  fellow  who  is  asleep. 

Across  the  open  end  of  your  ration  box  hang 
your  towel,  thus  keeping  out  the  dust  and  dirt, 
also  keeping  your  towel  dry  for  the  morning.  An 
empty  sand  bag  can  be  used  instead.  Keep  your 
mess  outfit  in  this  box  and  it  will  not  be  lost  in  the 
straw  or  appropriated  by  someone  who  needs  a 
knife,  fork,  spoon,  or  mess  tin.  Your  rations  are 
safe  from  the  rat  burglars  and  your  corner  is 
always  neat.     Be  sure  and  do  this ;  it  will  help  you. 

Remember,  especially  in  the  winter  time,  that 
if  you  want  to  sleep  warm  you  must  not  pile 
everything  on  top  of  yourself,  if  you  do  you  will 
be  cold.  The  following  morning,  if  you  ask  the 
fellow  next  you  how  he  slept  during  the  night, 
you  may  be  surprised  to  hear  him  say, — "Fine, 
tip  top,  warm  as  a  bug  in  a  rug."  Immediately 
you  class  him  as  an  A  No.  i  liar,  for  you  know  that 
he  had  only  one  overcoat  and  one  blanket  over 
him,  while  you  were  cold  and  had  your  overcoat, 
two  blankets,  poncho,  and  blouse  over  you.  But 
he  was  telling  the  truth.  He  put  the  remainder 
oj  his  covers  under  him.  So  be  sure  and  fix  the 
bed  beneath. 


196  First  Call 

Remember  this  stunt,  when  you  must  sleep  on 
the  hard  ground,  and  no  straw  is  available: 
Lie  down  on  your  back  on  the  spot  where  you 
intend  to  rest.  Ask  one  of  your  mates  to  take  his 
mess  knife  or  bayonet  and  mark  the  places  on 
the  ground  where  your  shoulder  blades,  hipbones, 
buttocks  and  heels  touch.  Then  scoop  out  holes 
around  these  marks.  You  will  sleep  comfortably. 
This  method  will  save  many  an  ache  and  sore 
joint  on  the  following  day. 

Remember  this  when  water  is  scarce, 

Shaving 

the  weather  cold,  hot  water  unobtain- 
able and  there  is  no  time  to  heat  any  for  shaving, — 
use  tea.  This  m.ay  be  a  trifle  sticky,  but  it  is  a 
fact  that  tea  has  a  softening  influence  on  the  most 
bristling  and  copper  wire  whiskers. 

Remember  that  when  you  get  sick 
T    ^  h  D'  h   ^^  ^^®  regular  issue  of  rations    a  very 

tempting  and  palatable  dish  can  be 
made  from  parts  of  the  regular  ration  issue  in  this 
way:  Save  your  bacon  grease  and  bread  crumbs; 
take  about  a  half  pound  of  issue  or  store  cheese; 
shave  it  with  your  jack  knife  or  cut  it  into  little 
pieces.  (The  shaving  process  is  the  better  of  the 
two.)  Open  a  tin  of  "canned  Willie"  or  canned 
beef;  chop  it  up  fine;  thoroughly  mix  with  the 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  197 

cheese,  bacon  grease,  and  bread  crumbs.  Fry  this 
in  your  mess  tin  over  a  candle  until  it  begins  to 
stew  and  eat  it  quickly,  for  as  soon  as  the  odor 
pervades  the  billet  or  dugout  a  crowd  will  gather 
round,  asking  for  a  handout.  It  is  good  stuff. 
Remember   that   the   best   way   to 

Grease 
keep  your   bayonet,   knife,   fork,   and 

spoon  shining  is  to  run  them  in  and  out  of  the 

ground  several  times.     But  carefully  wipe  them 

with  a  dry  cloth  afterwards. 

Remember  if  your  mess  outfit  is  dirty  and 
greasy  that  cold  water  will  not  clean  it.  Take 
earth  and  grass  and  scour  the  utensils — then  wipe 
them  with  a  clean  rag.  This  will  save  lots  of  time 
and  is  a  very  efficient  method  for  removing  grease. 

A  good  way  to  keep  papers,  tobacco, 
matches,  or  handkerchief  dry  in  rainy         weather 
weather  while  in  the  fire  trench  is  to 
sew  a  Httle  pocket  on  the  inside  of  your  steel 
helmet  large  enough  to  carry  these  articles. 

To  dry  wet  shoes,  heat  small  pebbles  and  place 

them  in  the  shoes.     Be  careful  not  to  have  the 

pebbles  hot  enough  to  scorch  or  crack  the  leather. 

After  fining  in  latrines,  garbage  holes,      ^, ,  ^  ^  . 

^  '  o  o  Qj(j  Latnue 

etc.,  do  not  fail  to  erect  a  sign  stating, 

"Do  not  dig  here — Old  Latrine."     The  regiment 


198 


First  Call 


which  relieves  you  is  entitled  to  this  courtesy.    If 

no  sign  has  been  left  to  warn  them,  they  are  quite 

liable  to  dig  at  this  spot  with  most  unpleasant 

results. 

Enemy  shells  which  do  not  explode 
"Duds"  ^  ^ 

after  dropping  in  your  lines  (commonly 

called  "duds")  should  not  be  left  lying  around,  as 
they  are  dangerous.  They  should  be  buried 
about  six  feet  deep,  and  a  sign  erected  over  the 
spot  reading,  "Danger — Live  Shells  buried  here, 
6  feet  down."  This  is  important;  it  may  be  the 
means  of  saving  lives.  Hundreds  of  men  have 
been  killed  digging  trenches  on  the  Western  Front, 
by  their  picks  or  shovels  striking  buried  live  shells 
or  bombs. 

Remember  that  in  the  trenches, 
—^  "^ '  outgoing  troops  have  the  right-of-way 
over  incoming  troops.  The  troops  re- 
lieved are  tired  and  worn  out  and  their  nerves 
are  on  edge  from  their  tour  in  the  fire  trench. 
They  are  apt  to  be  grouchy  and  unreasonable. 
Overlook  this;  be  patient  and  cheerful  with  them 
and  help  them  if  possible.  They  will  love  you  for 
it,  and  when  their  grouch  has  evaporated,  behind 
the  Unes  they  will  spread  the  news  that  your 
regiment  is  a  "fine  bunch."     Later  on  this  will 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  199 

help  you  in  many  ways,  especially  when  you  are 
detailed  on  a  working  party  with  some  other 
regiment.  If  your  regiment  has  a  bad  name, 
look  out  for  a  nasty  detail,  especially  if  the  non- 
com,  in  charge  hails  from  a  different  outfit. 
The  hours  before  sunrise  and  the 

one   just   before   sunset   are   the   two    ^"^^^®  ^^ 
•'  Sunset 

danger  periods  when  the  trenches  are 
likely  to  be  attacked.  Keep  constantly  on 
the  alert  during  these  two  periods, — it  will  pay 
you  to  do  so.  These  times  are  selected  by  the 
enemy,  because  they  can  charge  across  No  Man's 
Land  with  greater  safety  as  it  is  then  too  dark 
to  properly  aim  rifles  and  machine  guns. 
You  can  take  more  liberties  in  the 

Miscellaneous 
front-line  trench  than  in  the  support  or 

reserve  trenches,  because  the  enemy  assumes  that 

the  front  line  is  occupied,  but  if  he  sees  or  hears 

undue  activity  in  the  other  lines,   shelling  will 

immediately  result. 

Whenever  the  enemy  establishes  a  smoke  barrage 
in  front  of  your  lines,  keep  a  careful  watch  for 
poison  gas,  because,  under  cover  of  the  smoke,  he 
is  liable  to  send  over  clouds  of  gas,  which  greatly 
resemble  the  former. 

At  night  while  in  the  fire  trench  (if  orders  have 


200 


First  Call 


not  been  issued  to  the  contrary),  fire  occasionally; 
this  may  "get"  a  German  working  party  or  patrol 
out  in  front. 

All  work,  such  as  digging,  revetting,  repairing 
barbed  wire,  and  bringing  up  rations,  is  done  at 
night.  This  in  order  to  escape  enemy  air  observa- 
tion. If  it  were  attempted  in  the  daytime  it 
would  not  be  long  before  German  shells  woiild  be 
dropping  in  the  midst  of  the  workers. 

Digging  or  working  parties,  before  quitting  their 

work,  should  be  very  careful  to  make  sure  that  the 

uncompleted  work  is  carefully  screened,  so  that, 

when  daylight  arrives,  enemy  airmen  will  not  be 

able  to  see  what  has  been  done  the  night  before. 

If  this  precaution  is  neglected,  hostile  airmen  will 

notify  their  artillery,  giving  the  range,  etc.,  and 

when  the  working  party  resumes  its  work,  the 

following  night,  it  will  be  shelled. 

The     British    Army    has     a     very 
Wire  Cutters  •'  ^ 

clever  and  efficient  barbed-wire-cut- 
ting device.  This  is  of  metal  and  is  attached 
to  the  muzzle  of  the  rifle;  in  it  there  is  a  groove 
which  a  strand  of  wire  fits.  The  soldier  in  an 
attack  reaches  the  enemy  barbed  wire, — a  couple 
of  strands  bar  his  way.  He  immediately  places 
the  wire-cutting  attachment  so  that  the  wire  fits 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  201 

in  the  groove  (this  can  be  done  instantly).  He 
pulls  the  trigger  and  the  bullet  cuts  the  wire,  the 
groove  being  so  adjusted  that  the  wire  crosses  the 
bore  of  the  rifle. 

After  troops  gain  a  foothold  in  a 
German  trench,  the  "cleaning  out" 
process  starts.  If  you  are  armed  with  a  rifle  and 
bayonet,  and  it  is  your  duty  to  precede  the  bomb- 
ing squad  or  party,  be  very  careful  in  going  around 
traverses  or  sharp  turns  in  the  trench,  because 
you  are  liable  to  walk  right  into  a  group  of  Ger- 
mans lying  in  wait. 

While  you  are  thus  engaged,  the  bayonet  should 
always  be  fixed,  so  do  not  carry  your  rifle  at  the 
ready  or  guard  position  when  turning  or  looking 
around  a  comer,  because  the  bayonet  will  protrude, 
thus  warning  the  enemy  of  your  approach. 

The  best  method  for  carrying  the  rifle  while 
"cleaning  out"  a  hostile  trench  is  as  follows: 

Grasp  the  small  of  the  stock  in  the  right  hand, 
the  left  hand  grasping  the  rifle  a  little  above  the 
balance.  Now  carry  the  rifle  against  the  right 
shoulder,  the  right  arm  nearly  straight  and  pointing 
downward.  Right  hand  should  touch  right  thigh. 
This  will  bring  the  left  forearm  across  the  chest. 
The  position  is  similar  to  the  old  "carry  arms." 


202  First  Call 

The  bayonet  now  points  upward,  but  from  this 
position  you  can  instantly  come  to  that  of  the 
guard.  In  this  position  it  is  easy  to  look  around 
a  sharp  comer  without  being  betrayed  by  your 
rifle  or  bayonet. 

Before    going    over    in    an    attack, 

Sandbags  ^       "^ 

strap  two  or  three  empty  sandbags 
on  yoiu"  equipment.  Later  on  these  may  prove 
invaluable.  If  you  get  into  a  hot  comer  where 
you  are  exposed  to  rifle  or  machine-gun  fire,  it  is 
an  easy  matter  to  fill  these  sandbags  with  earth, 
thus  making  a  cover  which  will  prove  very  effec- 
tive against  bullets. 

If  in  a  captured  trench,  they  will  come  in  very 
handy,  for  with  them  you  can  build  up  the  parados 
or  strengthen  the  entrance  to  a  dugout. 

Sandbags  also  make  excellent  covers  for  the 
feet  while  sleeping.  Just  put  your  feet  in  a  couple 
of  sandbags  and  you  will  be  surprised  to  learn  Low 
warm  they  keep.  And,  spread  over  straw,  sand- 
bags make  very  comfortable  beds. 

In  taking  over  a  part  of  the  line, 

Elephant        when    you    are   in    reserve,    you    will 
Dugouts  ■'  -^ 

probably  be  assigned  to  large  elephant 

dugouts — that  is,  if  your  part  of  the  line  has  been 

occupied  any  length  of  time.     Naturally  you  wish 


From  my  Trench  Note  Book  203 

to  be  as  comfortable  as  possible.  A  good  tip  will 
not  be  amiss — get  four  or  five  of  3'our  bunkies 
together,  and  make  a  tier  of  wire  cots.  This  can 
be  easily  done  by  getting  two  stout  pieces  of  two 
by  four.  There  ought  to  be  lots  of  material  in 
the  ruined  village.  If  there  isn't,  go  out  scouting, 
make  friends  with  an  engineer,  and  while  you  are 
engaging  him  in  conversation,  have  a  couple  of 
your  bunkies  sneak  the  desired  material  from  the 
engineer's  dump  or  stores — but  don't  get  caught. 
If  you  cannot  get  wire,  go  over  to  any  picket  line; 
they  will  be  glad  to  give  you  some  wire  from  bales 
of  straw  or  hay.  After  getting  your  material, 
make  the  framework  of  a  cot,  using  the  two-by- 
fours  for  uprights.  Then  with  your  bale  wire 
weave  a  spring.  Get  some  sandbags;  fill  them 
with  straw,  hay,  or  grass;  place  them  over  this 
spring;  another  layer  of  empty  sandbags,  and 
you  will  have  a  bed  fit  for  a  king. 

When   pitching   a   tent,   if   possible 
have  the  door  of  the  tent  face  south; 
this  will  keep  you  warmer,  for  if  a  north  wind  rises 
it  will  then  hit  the  rear  of  the  tent. 

Mud  is  a  great  protection  from  shells.  While 
crossing  a  muddy  field  or  open  space,  if  you  hear  a 
shell  which  is  going  to  burst  in  your  vicinity,  drop 


204  First  Call 

down  flat  in  the  mud, — the  chances  are  a  hundred 
to  one  that  you  will  not  be  hit.  The  shell  buries 
itself  very  deeply  in  the  mud  and  explodes,  the 
mud  preventing  the  fragments  from  scattering  to 
any  great  extent. 

If  you  are  not  a  machine  gunner  and  are  not 
detailed  to  help  in  the  operation  of  a  machine  gun 
— that  is,  carrying  ammunition,  digging  emplace- 
ments, etc., — it  is  wise  to  avoid  loitering  in  the  near 
vicinity  of  the  gun,  because  you  are  liable  to  be 
hit  by  enemy  fire.  One  of  the  pet  pastimes  of 
German  artillery  is  "searching  out"  machine-gun 
emplacements  with  shells. 

Machine  guns  seldom  use  frontal  fire;  they  just 
enfilade,  owing  to  rapidity  and  narrow  cone  of  fire. 
Guns  on  right  and  left  protect  its  front.  Only 
use  battle  emplacements  during  actual  attack  or 
else  the  artillery  will  tape  you. 


CHAPTER  XXIV 

PERISCOPES  AND  "  SENTRY  GO" 

"l  X  7"HEN  the  American  soldier  enters  a  trench 
'  '  for  the  first  time,  he  feels  lonely  and  lost. 
He  can  see  only  walls  of  earth  with  a  strip  of  sky 
for  roof.  But  this  loneliness  soon  passes  away  and 
is  replaced  by  a  feeling  of  security.  He  immedi- 
ately becomes  convinced  that  he  is  safe  because 
he  cannot  be  seen  by  the  enemy.  This,  to  a  certain 
extent,  is  true,  but  if  the  enemy  cannot  see  you, 
the  fact  remains  that  you  cannot  see  the  enemy. 
Soon  the  soldier's  sense  of  security  melts  away  and 
is  replaced  by  a  nervous  wonder.  What  are  the 
enemy  doing?  Are  they  crawling  up  on  his 
trench  ?  He  has  an  irresistible  desire  to  get  up  on 
the  fire  step  and  look  over  the  top  in  the  direction 
of  the  enemy  lines. 

At    night    this    curiosity    may    be      ^    . 

°  •'  ■'  Penscopes 

satisfied    with    little    danger    to    the 

person  exposing  himself,  but  in  the  daytime  it  is 

205 


2o6  First  Call 

suicide  to  look  over  the  top  of  the  trench,  because 
enemy  snipers  are  waiting  for  just  such  an  oppor- 
tunity to  send  you  to  Blighty.  Early  in  the  war 
there  were  devised  means  by  which  a  soldier 
could  see  what  was  going  on  in  No  Man's  Land 
during  the  day  without  exposing  himself  to  fire. 
The  periscope  was  used.  Now  there  are  many 
types  of  periscopes.  The  old  box  periscope,  at 
the  best  a  clumsy  affair,  was  first  tried.  This  pre- 
sented an  admirable  target  for  enemy  snipers  and 
they  were  not  slow  in  shattering  them  with  bullets. 
The  ordinary  life  of  such  a  periscope  was  about 
twenty  to  thirty  minutes,  so  the  soldiers  got  busy 
and  made  their  own. 

This  was  a  very  easy  matter,  because  a  periscope 
consists  simply  of  two  mirrors  placed  at  certain 
angles,  one  of  them  sticking  over  the  top  while 
the  other  is  below  in  the  trench.  The  arrange- 
ment of  these  mirrors  enables  the  gazer  to  look 
into  the  lower  mirror  and  see  there  the  reflection 
of  the  upper  mirror  which  reveals  the  ground  in 
front  of  the  trench. 

To  make  one  of  these  periscopes,  take  an  ordi- 
nary stake  or  stick  (as  per  illustration) ,  cut  two  slots 
in  same  and  insert  the  mirrors.  Before  exposing 
the  upper  mirror  above  the  trench,  see  that  it  is 


Periscopes  and  **  Sentry  Go" 


>o7 


2o8  First  Call 

screened,  so  that  the  sun  rays  will  not  reflect  on  it 
and  thus  betray  its  position  to  the  enemy.  If  the 
enemy  spot  a  periscope  they  will  not  only  turn 
rifle  fire  on  it,  but  will  open  up  with  their  trench 
mortars  and  make  it  very  imcomfortable  for  the 
men  stationed  near.  One  disadvantage  in  the 
use  of  the  periscope  is  that  it  makes  distance  seem 
greater  than  it  really  is.  To  make  the  image  in 
the  periscope  clearer,  attach  binoculars  to  the 
lower  mirror,  at  the  proper  angle.  Tliis  will  help 
greatly.  No  doubt  the  American  soldier's  natural 
ingenuity  and  inventiveness  will  in  time  discover 
methods  far  superior  to  the  above. 

After  entering  the  fire  trench  keep 

«  Sentry  Go  " 

your  wits  about  you.  If  you  are 
placed  on  guard  be  sure  that  the  sentry  whom 
you  relieve  turns  over  all  orders,  warnings, 
instructions,  etc.,  to  you.  Do  not  be  afraid  to 
ask  questions.  Do  not  take  your  post  until 
you  are  perfectly  familiar  with  it,  the  terrain  in 
front,  and  modes  and  lanes  of  communication 
to  your  officer  or  non-commissioned  officer.  See 
that  your  footing  is  secure  when  standing  on  the 
fire  step,  that  your  head  is  sufficiently  "over  the 
top"  to  allow  an  unobstructed  view  of  No  Man's 
Land  and  that  your  rifls  rests   on   the  parapet. 


Periscopes  and  **  Sentry  Go**         209 

Be  stire  that  you  are  able  to  cover  with  a  quick 
aim  every  object  seen  in  the  section  you  guard. 
See  that  the  rifle  is  working  perfectly,  that  the 
magazine  is  loaded,  the  ammunition  clean,  and 
that  you  have  sufficient  ammunition  within  easy 
reach.  Make  certain  that  your  front  and  rear 
sights  are  free  from  mud  and  that  the  bore  of 
your  rifle  has  not  become  clogged  with  mud  from 
the  walls  of  the  trench. 

Orders  are  passed  from  firebay  to  firebay  by 
word  of  mouth.  Make  a  sentry  passing  an  order 
down  the  line  repeat  it,  and  then  repeat  it  yourself 
to  the  sentry  on  your  left,  making  him  in  turn 
repeat  it  to  you. 

See  that  the  gas  gong  is  in  working  order. 

Be  familiar  with  the  location  of  all  dugouts, 
bomb  stores,  etc.,  so  that  in  case  of  a  gas  alarm 
or  infantry  attack  you  will  be  able  to  warn  your 
section  of  the  trench  quickly  and  thus  give  the 
men  sufficient  time  to  prepare  for  such  an  attack. 

If  the  order,  "No  firing  or  challenging, — party 

out  in  front,"  has  not  been  passed  down  the  line, 

sharply    challenge    every    moving    or    suspected 

object  in  No  Man's  Land.     If  the  challenge  is  not 

immediately  answered,  do  not  be  afraid  to  fire. 

Keep  your  nerve  while  on  guard;    if    you  allow 
14 


2IO  First  Call 

yourself  to  become  shaky  and  nervous,  you  are 
liable  to  discharge  your  rifle  at  some  imaginary 
object  and  thus  unnecessarily  alarm  the  men  in 
the  trench. 

Of  course,  the  above  instructions  cover  night 
guard  duty  only.  While  your  head  is  "over  the 
top"  you  must  never,  for  any  reason,  relax  your 
vigilance,  even  though  a  stray  bullet  kicks  up  the 
dirt  near  you.  Do  not  duck,  because  there  is 
only  one  chance  in  ten  thousand  of  your  being 
hit.  If  an  officer,  non-commissioned  officer,  or 
soldier  addresses  you  from  the  rear,  do  not  turn 
around  to  answer,  even  if  it  is  in  the  line  of 
duty.  (If  it  is  not  in  the  line  of  duty,  pay  no 
tention  at  all  to  him.)  If  you  tiirn,  you  divert  your 
attention  from  the  ground  in  front,  and  perhaps 
in  this  very  second  an  enemy  patrol  or  raiding 
party  will  cross  your  sector  unobserved  by  you. 

Before  mounting  the  fire  step  see  that  a  flare 
pistol  is  handy,  with  a  sufficient  supply  of  star 
shells.  I  used  to  place  these  on  the  top  of  the 
parapet,  a  little  to  my  left.  If  you  are  uncertain 
about  some  object  in  No  Man's  Land  which 
appears  suspicious,  send  up  a  star  shell  aiming 
your  pistol  so  that  the  star  shell  will  pass  over  the 
object  and  fall  behind  it,   thus  silhouetting  the 


Periscopes  and  **  Sentry  Go**         211 

object  against  the  bright  Hght  made  by  the  burn- 
ing shell.  In  the  daytime,  if  you  are  stationed  at 
a  periscope  and  you  know  that  you  will  moimt 
guard  at  night  on  the  same  fire  step,  photograph 
on  your  mind  a  picture  of  the  groimd  in  front  of 
you.  Note  all  objects,  depressions  in  the  ground, 
shell  holes,  high  grass,  stiimps  of  trees,  or  any 
other  objects  which  woiild  at  night  screen  an 
enemy  crawling  toward  your  trench.  This  will 
help  you  wonderfully  and  wlQ  quiet  your  nerves, 
for  a  new  sentry  on  guard  at  night,  with  his  head 
sticking  "over  the  top,"  generally  imagines  that 
every  dark  object  in  front  of  him  is  a  battalion  of 
Germans  solely  bent  on  the  purpose  of  exter- 
minating him,  and  he  is  constantly  wondering 
what  they  will  do  with  his  body. 

A  sentry  on  guard  in  the  winter  time  must  be 
very  careful  of  his  feet, — they  are  liable  to  freeze, 
or  contract  the  disease  known  as  "trench  feet." 
A  sentry  should  not  stamp  his  feet  while  on  guard, 
because  this  necessarily  distracts  his  attention 
from  the  sector  in  front.  It  is  therefore  up  to  him, 
hours  before  mounting  guard,  to  see  that  his  feet 
are  properly  cared  for.  Two  pairs  of  dry  clean 
socks  will  be  sufficient  to  keep  the  feet  warm  and 
dry,  especially  if  they  arc  rubbed  with  soap  or  whale 


212  First  Call 

oil.  Before  mounting  the  fire  step,  partictilarly  in 
rainy  weather,  be  sure  that  you  fix  a  dry  place 
on  which  to  stand.  I  used  to  take  five  or  six  sand- 
bags ;  doubling  them  I  would  place  them  on  the  fire 
step,  thus  gaining  a  firm  hold,  at  the  same  time 
keeping  my  feet  dry  and  warm. 

Before  mounting  the  fire  step  see  that  your 
puttees  or  leggings  are  not  laced  too  tightly. 
Tight  lacing  stops  the  circulation  and  may  result 
in  frozen  feet  in  very  cold  weather.  In  the 
English  Army  a  case  of  frost  bitten  feet  is  liable 
to  be  punished  by  court-martial,  for  the  reason 
that  except  in  very  rare  cases,  the  trouble  results 
from  the  soldier's  negligence. 

If  you  carry  a  piece  of  cheese  and  biscuit  in 
your  pocket  and  occasionally  munch  same,  the 
time  will  pass  much  more  quickly.  Remember 
that  you  are  not  an  ornament  for  the  trench.  You 
are  there  to  exercise  the  strictest  of  vigilance,  and 
to  guard  your  mates  and  yourself.  Do  your  duty 
and  do  it  well. 

If  you  are  detailed  as  a  runner  to  a 

toSieS^t^  sentry,  your  duty  is  to  sit  on  the  fire 

step  at  his  feet,  and  carry  messages 

to   the    officer   or    "non-com"    in  charge,   or   to 

pass     orders    from     firebay     to    firebay.     While 


Periscopes  and  **  Sentry  Go**         213 

thus  engaged  (especially  at  night)  be  careful  to 
challenge  every  person  who  enters  your  firebay. 
If  the  person  challenged  cannot  answer  every 
question  or  challenge  in  a  satisfactory  manner, 
arrest  him  and  call  for  the  officer  or  "non-com." 
Do  not,  upon  your  own  responsibility,  let  any 
one,  be  he  officer  or  enlisted  man,  pass  through, 
unless  you  are  personally  satisfied  that  he  is  above 
suspicion. 


CHAPTER  XXV 

MACHINE   GUNS    AND    SNIPERS 

"pVERY  soldier  in  the  army  should  know  how 
to  operate  a  machine  gun  in  case  of  emer- 
gency. You  can  never  tell  when  it  will  be  needed. 
If  this  need  arises,  and  there  is  a  gun  on  the  spot, 
it  is  up  to  you  to  know  how  to  operate  it,  for  you 
may  save  many  lives,  including  your  own. 

I  am  not  going  into  a  long  treatise  on  machine 
gunnery,  because  the  soldier  who  wants  to  become 
an  efficient  machine  gunner  must  take  the  course 
prescribed  in  the  army,  but  if  followed,  the  follow- 
ing hints  will  serve  in  a  pinch.  Most  soldiers 
in  the  American  Army  have  seen  the  Lewis  gun, 
therefore  I  will  describe  it  first. 

This  weapon  was  invented  by  an 

Lewis  Gun 

American  officer,  Colonel  I.  N.  Lewis 

of  the  Coast  Artillery  Corps,  now  on  the  retired 

list.     It    can    hardly    be    classed    as  a  machine 

gun.     It  is  rather  an  automatic  rifle.     This  gun 

214 


Machine  Guns  and  Snipers  215 

only  weighs  twenty-six  pounds,  is  air  cooled,  gas 
operated,  and  fed  from  a  circular  or  "pie  plate" 
magazine,  holding  forty-seven  rounds.  The  air- 
cooling  system  is  an  important  feature  because  it 
cools  the  gun  almost  as  effectively  as  a  water 
jacket,  thus  doing  away  with  the  disadvantage  of 
extra  weight,  difficulty  of  water  supply  and 
freezing,  and  it  does  not  produce  the  tell-tale 
steam  which  rises  from  a  water-cooled  machine 
gun.  It  is  very  simple  in  its  mechanism  and  is 
easy  to  assemble  and  disassemble.  It  can  be 
handled  and  transported  by  one  man  in  case  of 
necessity. 

To  load  the  gun,  grasp  the  magazine  with 
both  hands,  the  arrow  pointing  to  the  front,  and 
carefully  place  it  on  the  magazine  post  with  the 
cocking  handle  forward,  moving  it  slightly  to  the 
right  or  left  to  be  sure  that  it  is  properly  seated. 
If  it  is  dark  and  the  arrow  is  invisible,  the  right 
thumb  may  be  placed  lightly  on  the  magazine 
latch,  thus  insuring  the  proper  position.  In 
placing  the  magazine  be  sure  that  the  magazine 
latch  is  not  pressed  in,  as  this  will  release  the 
magazine  center  and  may  cause  a  stoppage. 

After  the  magazine  is  properly  adjusted,  pull 
back  the  cocking  handle  to  its  fullest  extent.     To 


2i6  First  Call 

fire,  press  the  trigger.  With  a  constant  pressure 
on  the  trigger  the  gun  will  continue  firing  until 
the  magazine  is  empty.  To  cease  firing,  release 
pressure  on  trigger. 

stoppages  Usually    a  stoppage   in  the    Lewis 

gun  is  caused  by  the  rim  of  the  maga- 
zine becoming  worn  or  mutilated.  The  magazine 
then  refuses  to  feed.  Therefore  it  is  necessary 
to  be  very  careful  in  adjusting  and  caring  for 
these  magazines. 

To  determijie  the  cause  of  stoppage,  it  must  be 
remembered  that  the  cocking  handle  stops  in 
three  positions. 

If  the  gun  stops  in  the  first  position,  try  to 
rotate  the  magazine  to  the  left.  If  you  cannot  do 
this  it  is  empty.  The  remedy  then  is  to  change 
the  empty  magazine  for  a  loaded  one.  If  it  will 
not  rotate  to  the  left,  pull  back  handle  and 
continue  firing.  If  the  gun  still  refuses  to  fire 
and  you  are  not  a  machine  gunner,  stop.  It  is 
useless  to  waste  further  time  with  it.  If  you  are 
a  machine  gunner  you  will  know  the  technical 
details  of  remedying  stoppages. 

VickersGun       ^^^   Vickers    Light    Water    Cooled 

.303  Machine  Gun  has  proven  to  be 

the  best  machine  gun  so  far  used   in   this   war. 


►"^WM"*^ 


The  Lewis  Gun — in  action. 


Lewis  Gun. 


y 


Machine  Guns  and  Snipers  217 

It  is  the  standard  of  the  British  Army.  The 
gun  itself  weighs  about  28}^  lbs.  without  the  water 
in  the  barrel  casing;  with  the  water,  it  weighs  383^ 
lbs.  It  is  fired  from  an  adjustable  tripod  weighing 
48  lbs.  It  is  fed  by  a  metal  or  canvas  belt  con- 
taining 250  rounds  of  .303    caliber  cartridges. 

To  load  the  gun,  pass  the  tag  end  of  the  belt 
through  the  feed  block  from  right  to  left.  Grasp 
the  crank  handle  with  right  hand,  and  pull  back  as 
far  as  it  will  go.  Holding  the  crank  handle  in  this 
position,  grasp  the  tag  end  of  the  belt  with  the 
left  hand  and  pull  it  as  far  as  possible  to  the  left, 
with  a  sharp  tug  forward.  Let  go  of  the  crank 
handle.  Again  pull  back  the  crank  handle,  still 
pulling  the  belt  to  the  left  and  forward;  release 
crank  handle.     The  gun  is  now  loaded. 

To  fire  gun:  grasp  the  traversing  handles  with 
both  hands;  with  the  two  index  fingers  raise 
the  safety  latch  and  evenly  press  the  thumb 
piece  with  both  thumbs.  The  gun  is  now  firing 
and  will  continue  to  do  so  as  long  as  pressure  is 
maintained  on  the  thumb  piece,  or  until  the  belt 
runs  out. 

To  cease  firing,  release  the  pressure  on  thumb 
piece.  If  a  stoppage  occurs,  that  is,  if  the  gun 
refuses  to  fire,  the  cause  is  indicated  by  the  posi- 


2i8  First  Call 

tion  of  the  crank  handle.     It  may  stop  in  four 
positions. 

g  I  will  give  only  the  causes  of  the 

stoppages  which  may  be£easily  re- 
medied by  the  layman.  If  the  crank  handle  is 
well  back  in  a  vertical  position,  it  is  due  to  lack 
of  oil  in  gun,  improperly  filled  belt  or  improper 
loading. 

Immediate  action. — Complete  the  motion  of 
roller  by  pulling  crank  handle  back  with  the  hand. 
If  the  stoppage  recurs  loosen  the  fusee  spring  on 
the  left  of  the  gun  by  a  few  turns  of  the  spring 
adjuster,  turning  it  outward;  then  oil  the  recoiHng 
parts. 

If  the  crank  handle  is  in  the  second  position, — ■ 
a  little  forward  from  that  of  the  first,  the  probable 
cause  of  stoppage  is  a  damaged  cartridge  or 
separated  cartridge  case. 

Immediate  action. — Lift  rear  cover,  withdraw 
lock,  and  carefully  examine  cartridge.  If  it  is 
damaged,  remove  it,  reload  as  previously  shown, 
lift  safety  latch,  press  thtrnib  piece,  and  continue 
firing.  If  cartridge  is  perfect,  you  will  know  that 
there  is  a  separated  case  in  the  chamber  of  the 
gun.  Remove  this  with  cartridge  extractor,  re- 
place lock,  reload  as  before,  and  continue  firing. 


Machine  Guns  said  Snipers  219 

In  the  third  position  the  crank  handle  is  al- 
most home  but  not  quite.  The  probable  cause 
is  that  your  ammunition  box  is  out  of  position, 
thus  putting  the  belt  out  of  the  line  of  feed  and 
causing  an  excessive  pull.  If  so,  adjust  ammuni- 
tion box  and  belt;  if  this  does  not  remedy  the 
stoppage  the  belt  is  probably  improperly  filled,  the 
cartridges  not  being  pushed  home.  To  remedy 
this,  examine  belt  and  properly  adjust  any  mis- 
placed cartridge.  Perhaps  the  brass  tags  on  the 
cartridge  belt  are  bent,  the  belt  may  be  tight  or 
wet,  thus  preventing  the  cartridges  from  being 
easily  extracted. 

Immediate  action. — With  right  hand,  strike 
crank  handle  down  with  glancing  blow,  using  the 
palm  of  the  hand.  If  this  fails,  Uft  up  the  handle 
slightly,  pull  belt  to  the  left  front,  let  go  of  handle, 
and  continue  firing.  If ^  the  handle  cannot  be 
lifted  raise  the  rear  cover  with  the  left  hand,  and 
work  handle  back  and  forth  while  the  horns  of  the 
carrier  are  being  forced  downward  with  a  screw- 
driver, wrench,  or  other  instnmnent.  If  this  fails 
lift  cover,  change  lock,  and  carry  on  with  firing. 

In  the  fourth  position  the  crank  handle  is  well 
home.  The  stoppage  is  probably  caused  through 
a  misfire,  broken  firing  pin,  or  lack  of  cartridges 


220  First  Call 

in    chamber,    due   to   improper   loading   of   belt 
leaving  an  empty  space. 

Immediate  action. — Half  load  and  continue  firing. 
If  the  gun  still  refuses  to  fire,  unload,  change  lock, 
load,  and  commence  firing.  If  there  is  no  car- 
tridge in  chamber,  half  load  and  carry  on. 

This  type  of  gun  is  also  air  cooled 
?°^*     ,.        and  gas  operated.     It  is  mounted  on  a 

Automatic  °         -^ 

tripod  and  fed  from  a  belt.     It  will 

fire  at  the  rate  of  400  or  more  shots  per  minute. 
The  gun  itself  weighs  about  35  pounds,  the  tripod 
and  mount  about  56  pounds.  The  cartridge  belt 
holds  250  rounds.  A  great  advantage  of  the 
Colt  gun  is  that  there  are  no  adjustments  to  be 
made  by  a  soldier,  and  if  a  gun  is  in  proper  condi- 
tion it  can  be  operated  very  easily,  as  it  is  only 
necessary  for  the  operator  to  know  how  to  load  it. 
To  load,  insert  the  brass  tip  of  belt  through 
opening  above  the  box  and  pull  it  out  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  gun  as  far  as  it  will  go;  then 
let  go  of  belt,  pull  the  gas  lever  downward  to  the 
rear  until  it  strikes  the  bottom  plate  (do  not  pull 
the  belt  while  gas  lever  is  in  operation);  release 
gas  lever  which  will  then  resume  its  normal  posi- 
tion. The  gun  is  now  loaded  and  ready  to  be 
fired. 


Machine  Guns  and  Snipers  221 

To  fire,  press  the  trigger. 

To  cease  firing,  release  trigger. 

After  having  been   "up   the   line" 
for  a  tour  in  the  trenches,  it  is  easy  to    Distinguish- 
distinguish  the  German  machine  gun  ^e  Machine 

°  Girns  by 

from  the  English  Vickers  by  the  soimd  Sound 

made    in    firing.     The    German    gun 
fires  much  slower,  making  a  slow  "pup-pup-pup- 
pup"  report,  while  the  English  fires  very  rapidly, 
the  sound  being  similar  to  that  of  a  pneumatic 
riveter. 

The  Germans,  no  doubt,  being  over  fed  on 
efficiency,  have  figured  that  three  machine-gun 
bullets  through  a  man  will  stop  him  just  as  quickly 
as  seven  or  eight,  with  a  resultant  saving  of 
ammunition. 

The  German  gun  is  of  a  heavier  type  than  the 
Vickers,  very  much  resembling  the  old  Maxim 
which  is  now  obsolete  in  the  British  Army. 

Fritz  also  has  a  steel  bullet-proof  shield  on  his 
gun,  which  makes  the  gun  very  cumbersome  and 
heavy,  although  it  protects  the  gunner. 

The  Tommy  (no  doubt  Sammy  will  probably 
follow  his  example)  prefers  to  run  the  risk  of 
being  hit  while  in  action  to  the  hard  work  of 
lugging  around  a  gun  equipped  with  a  heavy  steel 


222  First  Call 

shield.  Perhaps  it  is  laziness  on  Tommy's  part, 
or  perhaps  he  has  more  sand  than  Fritz  possesses. 
The  latter  supposition  is  correct,  I  am  sure. 

The  American  soldier  being  the  crack  shot  of 
the  world,  which  fact  has  been  proved  in  many 
international  matches,  will  after  a  while  rank  as 
first  in  the  art  of  sniping.  Sniping,  as  used  to- 
day on  the  Western  Front,  takes  us  back  hundreds 
of  years  to  the  methods  of  the  American  Indian. 
Sniping  is  simply  the  art  of  scouting — that  is  of 
seeing  the  enemy  without  being  seen,  and  picking 
off  any  who  expose  themselves.  Being  a  fair 
shot,  I  put  in  about  six  weeks  at  this  work  while 
in  the  trenches  but  could  not  stand  the  strain. 
To  me  it  appeared  quite  all  right  to  "get"  a  man 
in  the  heat  of  battle,  but  to  lie  hours  and  days  at  a 
time,  waiting  for  an  enemy  to  expose  himself, — 
then  to  plug  him,  appeared  to  me  a  little  under- 
handed. After  seeing  two  men  in  the  enemy 
Hnes  drop  before  my  rifle,  I  felt  sick  in  the  stomach 
and  requested  to  be  relieved  from  the  detail.  My 
nerve  had  gone,  and  as  a  nervous  sniper  is  prac- 
tically useless  to  the  army,  my  request  was  readily 
granted.  Still  if  the  enemy  is  active  in  sniping, 
we  have  no  other  alternative  than  to  be  twice  as 
active. 


Machine  Guns  and  Snipers  223 

Snipers    are    divided    into    squads,     generally 

in  charge  of  an  officer  or  non-commis-  „  .  . 

Sniping 

sioned  officer.  These  squads  number 
from  four  to  six  men.  Each  has  successfully  passed 
a  three  weeks'  course  in  sniping  behind  the  lines. 
This  course  is  very  thorough,  the  men  being 
trained  in  methods  of  disguising  themselves,  range 
finding,  pot  shooting,  and  scouting. 

The  snipers  equipment  usually  consists  of  a 
telescopic  rifle,  a  powerful  set  of  field  glasses, 
and  a  range  finder.  When  practicable  he  is 
also  given  a  maxim  silencer  to  be  used  on  the 
rifle. 

Snipers  very  seldom  take  station  in  the  front- 
line trench,  as  the  ground  behind  the  lines  offers 
better  observation  and  concealment.  Snipers  will 
observe  the  enemy  lines  for  days  at  a  time  without 
firing  a  shot,  drawing  maps  and  noting  low  and 
exposed  portions.  They  have  a  clever  system  of 
setting  their  rifles,  after  getting  the  exact  range 
of  the  spot  where  the  enemy  has  been  exposing 
himself.  They  fix  their  rifles  in  such  a  manner 
that  no  sighting  is  necessary, — a  hit  will  be 
registered  by  simply  pulling  the  trigger.  Some- 
times as  many  as  six  rifles  are  securely  fastened 
to  a  board  or  log ;  the  triggers  are  connected  so  that 


224  First  Call 

the  pulling  of  a  string  discharges  the  six  rifles 
simultaneously. 

I  have  seen  a  British  sniper,  after  securing  the 
range  of  an  exposed  spot,  crawl  out,  under  cover 
of  darkness,  upon  a  pile  of  banked-up  earth  or  mud, 
and  plaster  himself  all  over  with  wet  mud  so  that 
at  a  distance  of  a  few  yards  it  was  impossible  to 
distinguish  him,  when  lying  still,  from  the  sur- 
rounding soil.  This  man  would  lie  motionless 
for  hours  until  he  "got"  his  victim.  Then  he 
would  either  wait  for  darkness  or  make  a  quick 
dash  into  his  own  trench.  Other  snipers  take 
positions  in  trees,  tieing  branches  about  their 
bodies.  Others,  by  covering  themselves  with 
grass  and  lying  in  the  fields,  have  secured  good 
results,  generally  returning  with  two  or  three  nicks 
added  to  the  stocks  of  their  rifles  (each  nick  for  a 
German  who  has  fallen  under  their  fire) . 

One  rainy  day  while  acting  as  runner  or  orderly 
for  my  machine-gun  officer,  instead  of  following 
the  communication  trench  I  decided  to  chance  it 
by  going  "  over  the  top, "  as  the  trench  was  almost 
knee  deep  with  sticky,  gluey  mud.  Dawn  was 
just  breaking  and  although  I  took  the  risk  of 
being  potted,  still  I  preferred  that  to  plowing 
through    the    communication    trench.      Running 


Machine  Guns  and  Snipers  225 

along  I  stepped  on  what  appeared  to  be  a  muddy 
rise  in  the  ground.  I  nearly  dropped  dead  with 
fright  when  this  mound  of  earth  ejaculated, 
"Why  in  'ell  don't  you  get  a  periscope  if  you 
cawnt  see  where  you're  bloody  well  going."  It 
was  a  sniper  lying  in  the  wet  mud.  Right  now  I 
bet  he  is  in  a  hospital  in  Blighty  cursing  old  man 
Rheumatism. 

Snipers  sometimes  work  from  behind  cleverly 
concealed  loopholes  in  the  front-line  trench,  but 
these  sooner  or  later  will  be  sniped  by  the  enemy 
and  the  sniper  becomes  a  casualty.  Snipers'  days 
are  generally  numbered. 

A  good  ruse  for  locating  a  trouble- 

A  JR.US6 

some  enemy  sniper  is  to  place  a  dummy 

head  so  that  it  is  exposed  to  view  over  the  top 

of  the   trench.     Go   into  the  next  firebay,  having 

previously  prepared  a  loophole  through  which  you 

can  easily  observe  the  enemy  lines.     The  sniper 

will  fire  at  the  head.     Listen  for  the  report  of  his 

rifle  and  carefully  watch   for   the   tell-tale  dust 

where  he  fires  from  the  opposite  trench.     If  after 

firing  several  shots  you  cannot  locate  him  in  this 

manner,  warily  examine  the  dummy.     It  will  be 

an   easy  matter   to  ascertain,   by   the   angles   of 

the  bullet  holes  which  have  passed  through  the 
15 


226  First  Call 

head,  the  direction  from  which  the  shots  were 
fired. 

After  you  have  located  him  communicate  this 
information  to  your  officer.  He  will  get  busy  and 
notify  the  artillery  observation  officer  and  it  will 
not  be  long  before  a  couple  of  shells  drop  on  or  so 
close  to  Fritz  that  he  will  pack  up  and  gallop  for 
Berlin,  the  City  of  Kultur, 


CHAPTER  XXVI 

IN  NO  man's  land 

/~\NE    of    the    most    nerve-racking   details   in 

^-"^     trench  warfare  is  that  of  Listen- 
Listening 
ing  Post.     These  posts  are  usually  saps  Post 

running  from  the  fire  trench,  under- 
neath the  barbed  wire,  and  well  out  into  No  Man's 
Land.  At  night  two  or  three  men  are  detailed 
to  go  out  to  the  end  of  this  sap,  and  listen,  two 
hours  at  a  stretch,  for  enemy  working  parties  and 
patrols,  for  bombing  raids,  and  mining.  Listening 
for  sapping  and  mining  is  a  tough  job.  The 
soldier  lies  with  his  ear  to  the  ground,  every  sense 
alert  for  the  "tap-tap"  of  digging  beneath  him. 
If  he  hears  this  sound  he  immediately  com- 
municates with  the  fire  trench,  and  an  officer  of 
the  engineers  comes  out  to  the  spot  where  the 
noise  was  heard,  and  also  listens  and  takes  bear- 
ings. If  he  is  satisfied  that  the  Germans  are 
digging    under    No    Man's    Land,    the    engineers 


228  First  Call 

immediately  get  busy  and  run  a  countershaft 
trying  to  go  deeper  than  the  enem}^  tunnel.  At 
the  head  of  this  shaft  they  store  high  explosives, 
and  later, — perhaps  after  days  or  weeks, — when 
it  is  ascertained  that  the  enemy  is  above  them, 
the  explosives  are  set  off  and  "up  in  the  air  with 
the  best  of  luck"  go  the  enemy  sappers. 

Sometimes,  men  detailed  for  listening  post 
have  no  saps  and  are  forced  to  crawl  through  a 
lane  cut  in  their  own  barbed  wire.  Reaching  a 
point  about  midv/ay  between  the  lines,  one  man 
lies  down  with  his  ear  to  the  ground,  while  the 
other  one  kneels,  keeping  constantly  on  the  alert 
for  reconnoitering  patrols  and  enemy  working 
parties.  If  the  night  is  cold,  wet,  and  stormy  this 
is  a  very  unpleasant  task,  because  one  never 
knows  when  a  strong  German  patrol  will  run  into 
them.  Many  clever  devices  are  used  in  the  sap 
listening  post  for  communication  with  sentries  or 
men  in  the  fire  trench.  A  stout  cord  is  tied  to  the 
hand  of  one  of  the  men  out  in  front,  while  the 
other  end  is  attached  to  a  bell  or  signal  in  the  fire 
trench.  By  a  code  of  jerks  or  tugs,  signals  are 
communicated.  Men  on  listening  post  are  gen- 
erally armed  with  rifles,  bayonets,  and  bombs. 

Sometimes  where  the  squad  consists  of  five  or 


In  No  Man*s  Land  229 

six  men,  a  Lewis  or  Vickers  machine  gun  is  used. 
Many  a  German  working  party  can  testify  to  the 
efficiency  of  these  weapons  from  their  "point  of 
vantage."  A  listening  post  is  not  supposed  to 
offer  fight  to  an  enemy  patrol, — its  main  purpose 
is  to  see  without  being  seen,  and  to  transmit  the 
information  thus  secured  to  the  defenders  of 
the  front  line.  It  is  only  when  the  men  on 
the  listening  post  are  liable  to  be  annihilated  or 
captured  that  resistance  is  shown. 
A  man  to  be  selected  for  patrolUng 

and    reconnoitering   must    have    keen  Reconnoiter- 

ing  and 
eyesight,  perfect  hearing,  quick  judg-       Patrolling 

ment,  and  iron  nerve.     Although  it  is 
hazardous  work,  still  after  going  out  in  front  two 
or  three  times  the  work  possesses  a  fascination 
which  cannot  be  resisted. 

There  are  many  elements  of  danger  to  be 
considered  while  on  one  of  these  expeditions. 
You  must  be  wary  of  German  star  shells,  and 
know  how  to  instantly  take  cover  to  avoid  being 
seen.  You  must  also  be  wary  of  objects  on  the 
ground,  such  as  old  logs,  roots,  hillocks,  or  any- 
thing that  will  make  you  trip  and  fall.  Shell 
holes  must  be  avoided  if  they  are  filled  with  water, 
because  the   telltale    splash   made  by  stumbling 


230  First  Call 

into  them  will  draw  enemy  fire.  Trap  wires 
(which  are  described  in  the  chapter  on  Trench 
Raids,  Chapter  XXX)  are  a  source  of  constant 
danger. 

A  sharp  lookout  must  be  kept  for  enemy  patrols 
and  listening  posts.  Sometimes  it  is  necessary 
for  patrols  to  crawl  up  to  the  enemy  barbed  wire 
and  scout  along  the  front.  This  is  very  un- 
pleasant work,  especially  when  you  can  hear 
the  enemy  talking  in  their  trenches  a  few  yards 
in  front  of  you.  A  reconnoitering  patrol  very 
seldom  offers  combat — in  fact  at  times  German 
and  English  patrols  have  come  within  a  few  feet 
of  each  other  and  have  passed  the  time  of  day 
without  firing  a  shot.  Personally  I  would  not 
advise  any  social  intercourse  whatever  if  you  run 
into  a  German  patrol  when  engaged  in  this  work. 

A  patrol  must  thoroughly  know  every  detail  of 
the  ground  in  No  Man's  Land,  and  must  be 
familiar  with  the  location  of  places  of  cover,  to 
which,  if  discovered,  they  can  repair  at  a  moment's 
notice,  screening  themselves  from  enemy  fire. 
A  good  stunt  to  use  when  patrolling  in  a  strange 
sector  for  the  first  time,  is  to  tie  a  piece  of  white 
tape  to  a  stake  at  the  end  of  the  lane  in  your 
barbed  wire  and  run  this  tape  out  with  you  as  you 


In  No  Man*s  Land  231 

proceed  into  No  Man's  Land.  Carry  a  few  small 
sharpened  wooden  stakes  and  when  you  get  to 
the  distance  desired  from  the  enemy's  lines  drive 
a  stake  into  the  ground,  being  careful  not  to  make 
any  noise.  Fasten  the  tape  to  it,  fixing  in  your 
mind  the  location  of  the  stake.  Now,  if  you 
happen  to  get  lost  in  the  darkness,  and  perhaps 
make  two  or  three  turns  (this  often  happens),  do 
not  lose  your  head  but  crawl  around  until  you 
run  across  the  tape.  By  following  it  you  can 
easily  reach  the  point  from  which  you  left  your 
trench. 

Before  starting  on  a  patrolling  expedition  it  is 
very  important  to  locate  some  distinctive  object 
above  the  sky  line  in  your  own  lines,  so  that  if 
you  get  lost  in  No  Man's  Land  this  object  can  be 
plainly  seen  and  you  will  know  the  direction  and 
avoid  crawling  toward  the  German  trenches. 
Patrolling  parties  generally  carry  Mills  bombs,  and 
are  armed  with  rifles  and  bayonets. 

(It  will  be  beneficial  to  the  draft  man,  while  in 
training  camps  in  the  United  States,  to  practice 
reconnoitering  and  scouting  at  night.  When  you 
are  returning  to  your  camp  do  not  always  take 
the  well-beaten  road  and  path,  but  try  cutting 
across   a   field   or   some   other   unfamiliar   route. 


232  First  Call 

This  practice  will  help  to  make  you  proficient  in 
finding  your  way  in  the  darkness.  But  to  display 
your  great  skill  as  a  scout  do  not  try  to  crawl  up  on 
some  sentry  without  being  seen.  In  his  momen- 
tary fright  and  excitement  he  is  liable  to  pump 
a  bullet  into  you  or  perhaps  jab  you  with  his 
bayonet.  Remember  apologies  will  never  heal  a 
wound.) 

After  being  in  a  fire  trench  for 
Man's  Land  ^^hile  it  gets  monotonous  and  many 
tricks  are  used  to  get  the  enemy's 
goat,  and  at  the  same  time  amuse  oneself.  In 
the  English  Army  many  a  bet  that  he  would  hang 
his  cap  or  handkerchief  on  the  German  barbed 
wire  has  been  made  by  some  daring  spirit.  This 
has  been  done  over  and  over  again.  One  great 
stunt  (but  very  dangerous)  affords  a  lot  of  amuse- 
ment for  the  front  line  soldier.  This  consists  in 
taking  a  large  ball  of  stout  cord,  tying  one  end 
to  a  stake  in  the  trench,  crawling  out  into  No 
Man's  Land  under  cover  of  darkness,  and  attach- 
ing a  bell  to  the  German  barbed  wire.  The  other 
end  of  the  cord  is  fastened  to  this  bell,  the  joker 
crawls  back  into  the  English  trenches,  and  the 
fun  starts.  The  Tommies  give  the  cord  a  tug, 
the  bell  rings  in  the  German  barbed  wire,  and 


In  No  Man*s  Land  233 

Pritz  turns  loose  with  bombs,  machine  gun,  and 
rifle  fire  and  Tommy  Atkins  lies  in  his  trench 
splitting  with  laughter. 

At   one  part   of  the  line  we  were 
stationed    next    to    the    Royal    Irish  -^ 

Rifles.  One  member  of  this  regiment 
heard  of  the  bell  trick  and  bet  ten  shillings  that 
he  would  do  it.  A  couple  of  the  older  men  tried 
to  tell  him  how  it  was  done,  but  he  would  not  hs- 
ten  to  their  advice, — in  fact,  he  took  the  advice  as 
an  insult.  So  getting  his  cord  and  an  old  cow  bell 
he  proceeded  out  into  No  Man's  Land,  but  neg- 
lected tying  the  cord  to  a  stake  in  his  ow^n  trench. 
He  crawled  to  the  German  lines,  attached  the  bell 
to  the  wire,  tied  the  end  of  the  cord  to  the  bell,  and 
then  started  back  to  his  own  trenches,  unrolling 
the  cord  on  his  way.  He  had  gotten  about  fifteen 
or  twenty  feet  from  the  German  lines  when  in 
some  way  the  cord  refused  to  unwind  and  a  little 
jingle  was  heard  immediately  in  his  rear,  followed 
b}'  star  shells,  rifle  and  machine-gun  fire.  It  took 
that  Irishman  about  twenty-five  minutes  to  reach 
the  German  barbed  wire;  it  took  him  exactly  three 
seconds  to  return  to  his  trench.  When  wc  tried 
to  explain  to  him  the  mistake  he  had  made  in  not 
first  attaching  the  cord  to  the  stake  in  his  own 


234  First  Call 

trench,  he  still  couldn't,  or  wouldn't,  see  what 
difference  that  made.  Personally  I  don't  believe 
that  he  ever  again  attempted  to  try  the  bell  trick 
on  Fritz. 

One  night  I  was  on  guard  in  the  front  line  trench 
and  during  my  own  tour  saw  and  heard  nothing. 
The  next  morning  when  dawn  broke  I  could  see, 
hanging  on  our  wire  about  thirty  feet  in  front  of 
me,  a  German  trench  cap.  The  cold  shivers  ran 
through  me,  and  my  opinion  of  my  ability  as  a 
sentry  dropped  to  zero.  I  didn't  mention  the 
fact  to  my  mates  at  the  time  of  sighting  the  cap, 
but  a  little  later  the  men  at  the  periscope  informed 
me  that  I  was  a  "bloody  fine  sentry"  to  let  the 
Boches  come  over  and  sleep  on  my  post.  The 
next  day  I  found  out  that  it  was  an  old  trick 
worked  on  recruits;  one  of  our  own  men,  during 
reliefs,  had  hung  this  cap  in  my  section  of  wire. 
Upon  finding  this  out  my  opinion  of  myself  again 
rose  to  normal. 


CHAPTER  XXVII 


BOMBING 


npHE  soldier  will  surely  want  to  know  some- 
•■■  thing  about  bombing  and  the  civilian  will 
I)erhaps  be  interested  to  read  a  little  about  this 
often  mentioned  feature  of  modern  warfare. 

Bombs,  or  hand  grenades,  are  divided  into  three 
classes,  namely, — (i)  percussion,  (2)  ignition,  and 
(3)  mechanical.  Since  the  beginning  of  the  war 
about  thirty  different  types  of  bombs  have  been 
used  but  most  of  them  are  now  obsolete.  They 
■vrere  gradually  improved  from  the  time  the  old 
pioneer  "jam  tin"  was  first  manufactured  by  the 
soldier,  until  the  present  Hand  Grenade  No.  5, 
known  as  the  "Mills  Bomb,"  was  introduced. 
This  bomb  is  the  standard  of  the  British  Army. 
It  is  quite  safe  for  the  thrower  but  very  destruc- 
tive to  the  enemy. 

It  is  almost  a  certainty  that  Sammy,  after 
reaching    France,    will    use    the     Mills    bombs; 

235 


236  First  Call 

therefore  it  would  be  confusing  to  go  into  detailed 
description  of  other  types. 

This  bomb  comes  under  the  mechani- 
Bomb  ^^^  class.     It  is  made  of  cast  iron,  oval 

shaped,  four  by  two  and  three  fifths 
inches,  and  weighs  about  twenty-four  ounces.  The 
cast  iron  casing  is  serrated  so  that  when  the  ex- 
plosion occurs  forty-eight  little  squares  of  iron 
will  be  scattered  in  a  large  circle,  wounding  or 
killing  the  soldier  who  may  be  hit  by  one  or 
more  of  the  flying  fragments.  The  bottom  of 
the  bomb  can  be  unscrewed  so  that  the  deto- 
nator with  the  percussion  cap  and  fuse  can  be 
inserted.  After  the  bomb  is  "detonated,"  the 
bottom  is  screwed  on  tightly,  with  the  aid  of  a 
spanner. 

At  the  top  of  the  bomb  is  the  striker  or  firing 
pin.  This  fits  into  a  small  groove  in  the  striker 
lever.  The  striker  lever,  which  is  nothing  more 
or  less  than  the  trigger  of  the  bomb,  is  on  the  out- 
side of  the  casing  and  is  about  three  inches  in 
length,  curved  to  lie  snugly  against  the  side  of  the 
bomb.  About  one  inch  from  the  top  of  the  striker 
lever  is  a  small  round  hole,  which  admits  the  safety 
or  fixing  pin.  On  the  end  of  this  pin  is  a  ring  which 
is  large  enough  to  admit  the  finger,  thus  enabling 


Bombing  237 

the  pin  to  be  easily  removed  by  the  bomber  before 
throwing. 

The  striker  is  attached  to  a  small,  compact,  but 
powerful  spring,  known  as  the  striker  spring.  This 
drives  the  striker  downward  so  that  it  comes  in 
contact  with  and  explodes  the  percussion  cap. 

The  detonator  or  firing  charge  of  the  bomb  is 
composed  of  the  percussion  cap,  attached  to  the 
end  of  the  safety  fuse,  which  is  timed  to  explode 
the  detonator  in  three  and  one  quarter  seconds. 
The  detonator  is  charged  with  fulminate  of  mer- 
cnry,  a  very  high  explosive. 

About  one  half  inch  from  the  top  of  the  bomb, 
on  the  opposite  side  from  the  striker  lever,  is  a 
small  hole  which  allows  the  insertion  of  the  burst- 
ing charge  or  main  explosive, — ammonal.  After 
the  explosive  is  inserted,  the  entrance  is  closed  by  a 
steel  screw.  Ammonal  is  very  destructive  but  is 
safe  to  handle, — in  fact  you  can  throw  a  Mills  bomb 
against  a  stone  wall  without  exploding  it,  if  the 
striker  lever  is  not  released  (still  I  would  not  advise 
your  trying   this  because  accidents  will  happen). 

In   throwing  the  Mills  bomb,  grasp 

ii  in  the  right  hand,  with  the  striker      Position  in 
°  Throwing 

lever   under   the   fingers.      Insert  the 

forefinger    of    the    left    hand    in     the    ring    on 


238  First  Call 

the  safety  pin  and  remove  pin.      Now  the  only 
thing    that    holds    the    striker   lever   in  place  is 
the  right  hand.     Throw  the  bomb.     As  it  leaves 
your  hand  the  striker  lever   flies  off  and   drops 
harmlessly   to   the   ground.     The   striker    is    re- 
leased; the  striker   spring  forces   it   against   the 
percussion    cap,    which    ignites    the    fuse  which 
in  turn  bums  down  and  explodes  the  charge  of 
fulminate   of   mercury   in    the  detonator.      This 
explosion  sets  off  the  main  charge  of  ammonal 
and   the    bomb    bursts.     If    the    fuse    is    timed 
correctly,     the    bomb    will    explode    three    and 
one    quarter    seconds  after  it  leaves  the  hand. 
To  be  safe  the  bomber  must  throw  the  bomb 
thirty  yards  or  more  from    him.     Thirt}^    yards 
is    ninety    feet,     the   distance  from  home   plate 
to   first   base.     Sammy    on  account  of    playing 
baseball  from  childhood  up,    should  easily  take 
first    rank    among    the    Allied  bombers.     Every 
Sammy  should  thoroughly   understand  the  con- 
struction,   working,   and    throwing   of  the  Mills 
bomb. 

The  correct  position  of  bombing,  as  taught  me 
during  a  course  at  bombing  school  in]  France,  is 
as  follows  (a  few  tips  I  learned  from  my  own 
experience  are  interspersed) : 


Bombing  239 

Pull  out  the  safety  pin;    face  in  the  direction 
in  which  the   bomb  is  to  be  thrown. 
Execute  a  right  face.  Advance  the  left     To  Throw  a 

Bomb  from  a 
foot  twice  its  length  in  the  original  di-  Trench 

rection,  the  toe  pointing  in  the  direction 
in  which  the  bomb  is  to  be  thrown.  Move  the  right 
toe  about  two  inches  to  the  left, — this  will  place 
the  right  foot  at  right  angles  to  the  left.  Carry 
the  right  foot  straight  forward  about  two  inches. 
Left  knee  must  be  stiff,  right  knee  bent  so  that 
the  body  is  inclining  sHghtly  backward.  Point  the 
left  arm,  elbow  straight,  at  an  angle  of  about  forty- 
five  degrees  in  the  direction  in  which  you  wish  to 
throw  the  bomb.  The  bomb  is  grasped  in  the 
right  hand,  right  arm  straight  and  hanging  down- 
ward, which  places  hand  in  rear  of  right  knee. 
Now,  with  an  overhand  motion,  the  same  as  if 
bowling  a  cricket  ball,  throw  the  bomb,  arm  stiff, 
in  the  direction  in  which  the  left  hand  is  pointing, 
and  if  necessary  bend  the  left  knee  in  so  doing. 
The  position  is  like  that  in  "putting  the  shot," 
except  that  the  right  arm  hangs  downward. 

Before  throwing  a  bomb  from  a  trench,  ascer- 
tain, by  going  through  the  throwing  motion,  that 
you  have  sufficient  room  to  prevent  your  right 
hand  from  coming  in  contact  with  the  walls  of 


240  First  Call 

the  trench.  In  throwing  a  Hve  bomb  (one  which 
is  loaded  and  detonated),  if  the  throwing  hand 
strikes  the  parados  or  a  traverse  with  sufficient 
force,  the  bomb  is  Uable  to  be  knocked  out  of  the 
hand  and  fall  in  the  trench.  The  safety  pin  being 
previously  removed,  an  explosion  results,  with  dire 
restilts  to  you  and  your  comrades.  If  3''OU  should 
drop  a  bomb  in  the  manner  described,  remember 
that  it  is  through  your  own  carelessness  and  lack 
of  caution,  therefore  it  is  up  to  you  to  act  quickly 
and,  if  possible,  remove  the  danger  before  yotu* 
comrades  are  injured  by  the  explosion  which  will 
result  in  three  and  one  quarter  seconds. 

Do  not  shout  a  loud  warning  and  rush  for  the 
nearest  exit  from  the  firebay,  because  a  wild 
scramble  will  result  and  the  traverse  will  be  choked 
with  struggling  men,  fighting  to  escape.  The  bomb 
will  explode  and  many  casualties  will  result.  Pick 
up  the  bomb  and  toss  it  well  over  the  top  of  the 
trench,  but  while  doing  so  give  the  warning  to 
your  mates  so  that  they  can  hug  the  parapet 
and  be  safe  from  the  explosion.  If  you  do  not 
lose  your  head  and  realize  that  three  and  a  quarter 
seconds  is  ample  time  in  which  to  throw  four  or 
five  bombs  over  the  top,  this  stunt  will  be  easy. 
If  there  is  no  other  way  out  of  the  difficulty,  give 


u.  &  u. 


A  Gun  Converted  into  a  Grenade  Thrower. 


©  u.  &  u. 


An  Aero  Torpedo. 
(In  Argonne  Sector.) 


Bombing  241 

the  warning,  and  then  throw  yourself  on  the  bomb 
to  shield  your  mates.  No  doubt  you  will  be  killed, 
but  it  is  your  duty  and  it  has  been  done  several 
times  in  this  war.  (Personally  I  know  that  I 
wouldn't  have  the  courage  to  do  it,  but  many  of 
you  have.) 

A  bomb  bowled  overhand  describes  an  arc  in 
the  air  which  gives  the  fuse  time  to  bum  down, 
so  that  it  will  explode  just  before  or  immediately 
after  hitting  the  ground,  thus  preventing  the 
Germans  from  returning  it  or  scampering  to 
a  place  of  safety.  Another  advantage  is  that 
the  bomb  has  more  chance  to  land  in  a  trench 
by  this  method. 

Remember — never  pull  out  the  safety  pin  until 
you  are  ready  to  throw  the  bomb;  this  precau- 
tion will  save  many  accidents.  Safety  pins  are 
split,  so  in  going  over  the  top  with  bombs,  carry- 
ing them  through  an  attack,  or  while  in  your  own 
trenches,  see  that  the  pin  is  securely  held  in  place 
so  that  it  won't  work  out.  If  it  is  loose,  simply 
open  up  the  split  end  a  trifle,  but  not  so  much  that 
it  is  too  hard  to  remove  when  you  are  ready  to 
throw  the  bomb — for  when  you  need  a  bomb,  you 
need  it  badly  and  you  need  it  at  once. 

A  bullet  hitting    a  bomb,  even  though  it  goes 
16 


242  First  Call 

through,  will  not  explode  the  ammonal  charge. 
The  percussion  cap  must  be  hit  first  and  the 
chances  are  a  million  to  one  that  that  won't  happen. 
In  throwing  a  bomb  out  in  front,  or  in  the  open, 
as  soon  as  it  leaves  your  hand,  drop  flat  on  the 
ground  and  you  will  be  safe  from  any  stray  piece 
which  may  come  in  your  direction. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII 

FIGHTING  FIRE  WITH  FIRE 

HTHE  Germans  were  the  first  to  introduce  the 
use  of  gas  into  modern  warfare.  They 
"sent  it  over"  at  Ypres  in  April,  191 5,  with  dis- 
astrous results.  You  must  realize  that  when 
warring  with  nations  who  have  cast  honor  and 
civilized    methods  into    the    discard,  Devil's 

it  is  necessary  for  self-preservation  to  inventions 
adopt  some  of  their  methods  and  give  them  a 
dose  of  their  own  medicine, — with  this  addition — 
make  the  medicine  that  you  send  over  to  them 
twice  as  nasty  and  more  destructive  than  theirs. 
They  will  then  soon ' ' pack  up ' '  and  cry  quits.  The 
German  is  a  wonderful  soldier  while  he  is  win- 
ning, but  when  losing  he  squeals  like  a  pig. 

Although  gas  is  very  dangerous  and  destructive, 
still  it  is  easily  combated  if  the  soldier  does  not 
lose  his  head  and  carefully  follows  the  instructions 

and  niles  laid  down  for  him. 

243 


244  First  Call 

In  attacking  with  gas  there  are  only 
two    methods    which    can    be    used, 
namely : 

1 .  Emanation. 

2.  Shells  and  grenades  (bombs). 

The  first  method  to  be  successftil,  depends  both 
on  the  elements  and  surprise. 

Gas,  by  this  method,  can  only  be  sent  over  when 
the  wind  is  blowing  from  the  point  of  the  attack 
toward  the  objective.  A  wind  with  a  velocity  of 
about  five  miles  per  hour  is  the  most  favorable. 
So,  when  such  a  wind  is  blowing  from  the  German 
lines  toward  your  own,  keep  constantly  on  the 
watch  for  gas,  both  day  and  night.  If  a  strong 
wind  is  in  evidence,  there  is  very  little  danger, 
because  the  gas  will  be  swept  past  your  trenches 
before  it  has  time  to  work  much  harm.  If  the 
wind  is  very  light  and  uncertain,  the  gas  has  not 
much  chance  of  reaching  your  lines, — in  fact,  this 
is  very  dangerous  to  the  attacking  side,  for  if  the 
wind  suddenly  changes,  the  gas  will  be  blown  back, 
and  "the  gassers"  are  Hable  to  become  "the 
gassed."  This  has  happened  a  few  times  in  the 
v/ar,  especially  on  the  Eastern  Front. 

Gas  to  be  sent  over,  must  be  discharged  under 
high  pressure  from  metal  cylinders  or  tanks,  or 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  245 

forced  through  tubes  pointing  in  the  direction  of 
the  enemy.  AVhen  the  gas  leaves  these  tubes  it 
makes  a  hissing  sound  similar  to  that  of  escaping 
steam.  When  it  is  quiet  and  the  trenches  are  not 
far  apart  this  hissing  can  be  readily  heard. 

As  gas  is  heavier  than  air,  it  settles  on  the  ground 
and,  caught  by  the  wind,  rolls  across  No  Man's 
Land  like  a  fog  bank  coming  inshore.  When  the 
gas  cloud  reaches  the  trenches  it  settles  down  into 
the  low  parts  and  dugouts.  Therefore,  during  a 
gas  attack,  a  soldier  should  occupy  the  highest  point 
he  can  reach  without  exposing  himself  to  the  enemy. 
But  he  must  never  leave  his  post  to  do  so. 

Several  kinds  of  gas  were  used  while 
I  was  in  the  trenches  in  191 5  and  191 6  ^aneties  0 
and  they  are  still  being  employed. 
Arsenic  and  phosphorous  gas  may  be  easily  de- 
tected b}'  the  odor,  which  resembles  garlic. 
Arsenic  gas  is  used  by  the  tube  or  pipe  method. 
To  clear  the  trenches  from  the  fumes,  plentifully 
sprinkle  chloride  of  lime  around,  especially  in  the 
low  spots.     The  fumes  will  be  readily  dispersed. 

The  other  gases  are  in  liquefied  form:  chlorine, 
phosgene  gas,  chlorine -bromine,  sulphuretted 
hydrogen,  etc.  They  arc  discharged  from  cylin- 
ders.    To  clean  out  the  trenches  vermeral  spray- 


246  First  Call 

ers  filled  with  a  solution  of  hyposulphite,  washing 
soda,  and  water  are  used.  Dugouts  should  never 
be  occupied  after  a  gas  attack  until  they  are  well 
sprayed  and  an  officer  pronounces  them  thoroughly 
clean  of  the  poisonous  fumes. 

The  killing  power  of  gas  is  effective  as  far  back 
as  three  to  four  miles  from  the  fire  trench.  In  a 
few  instances  it  has  been  felt  from  twelve  to  fifteen 
miles  behind  the  lines. 

One  disadvantage  of  the  "wind  method"  is 
that  the  attacldng  force  can  never  set  a  definite 
time  for  a  gas  attack,  as  they  must  rely  on  the 
elements.  Gas  cannot  be  sent  over  successfully 
when  it  is  raining,  so,  in  the  trenches,  even  wet 
weather  has  its  advantages  as  well  as  drawbacks. 

Before  going  any  further,  this  caution  should 
be  emphasized: 

Never  remove  your  gas  helmet  until  officially  told 
to  do  so  by  an  officer. 

In  the  second  method,  in  which  shells  and  gren- 
ades containing  liquid  gas  are  used,  it  is  com- 
paratively easy  to  distinguish  a  gas  shell  landing 
near  you.  It  makes  the  same  noise  as  a  "dud" 
(nickname  for  a  shell  which  fails  to  explode). 
The  gas  shell,  as  it  strikes  the  ground,  smashes 
like  an  over  ripe  melon   dropped  from  a  height. 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  247 

The  liquid  is  scattered  in  a  small  circle  and  soaks 
into  the  earth.  The  fumes  are  hardly  noticeable 
at  first  but  work  quickly  with  deadly  results. 
Many  soldiers  are  ardent  souvenir  hunters  and 
as  soon  as  a  "dud"  sheU  lands  in  their  vicinity 
there  is  a  race  to  get  the  nose  cap.  This  is  a 
dangerous  practice,  even  if  it  is  not  a  gas  shell, 
because  many  times,  in  trying  to  unscrew  the  nose 
cap,  an  explosion  results  and  another  little  wooden 
cross  is  planted. 

Never  go  near  a  "  dud  "  until  hours  after.  Tliis 
wait  will  give  the  fumes  time  to  disperse,  if  it 
happens  to  be  a  gas  shell,  but  it  does  not  remove 
the  danger  of  trying  to  unscrew  a  nose  cap. 

If  a  man  thinks  that  he  has  inhaled  gas  fumes 
from  a  shell,  he  should  lie  on  his  back  away  from  the 
point  of  impact  of  the  shell,  and  remain  quiet  until 
he  is  removed  on  a  stretcher  to  the  nearest  dressing 
station   where  he  will  receive  medical  attention. 

At  night,  in  the  trenches,  there   are  ^.     , 

^      '  /  Tips  for  Gas 

sentries  always  on  guard  in  each  fire- 
bay,  while  out  in  front  there  are  listening  posts. 
To  guard  against  surprise  gas  attacks  a  system  of 
warnings  has  been  devised.  Naturally  the  men  on 
the  listening  posts,  as  they  are  nearer  the  enemy, 
will   first    discover   the   presence   of   gas.     These 


248  First  Call 

posts,  through  prearranged  signals,  are  in  com- 
munication with  sentries  in  the  fire  trench.  Close 
to  the  sentries  is  a  gas  gong.  This  is  generally  an 
empty  shell  case  suspended  from  the  parapet, 
sometimes  a  triangular  piece  of  steel  or  iron. 
Close  to  the  gong  hangs  a  short  piece  of  iron  called 
a  striker.     Sometimes  Strombon  horns,  are  used. 

Upon  the  first  indications  of  gas,  the  sentry 
either  beats  the  gas  gong  with  the  iron  striker  or 
operates  the  Strombon.  Then,  before  stopping  to 
put  on  his  gas  helmet,  it  is  his  duty  to  warn  the 
occupants  of  the  section  of  trench  he  is  guarding 
that  gas  is  coming  over. 

Gas  gongs  are  hung  as  far  back  as  fifteen  miles 
behind  the  lines  to  warn  men  in  reserve  and  rest 
billets  to  be  on  the  alert.  Some  of  the  gongs  and 
horns  used  can  be  heard  for  a  mile  or  more. 

In  the  day  time  sentries  in  the  trenches  are 
posted  at  periscopes  and  the  same  method  of 
alarm  is  used. 

One  thing  a  soldier  thanks  the  gas  for  is  the  fact 
that  it  kills  his  objectionable  neighbors,  the  rats. 

When    Sammy    reaches    France,  or 

Gas  Helmets  perhaps   on   his    departure   from   the 

United  States,  gas  helmets  (commonly 

known  as  gas  masks,  gas  bags,  smoke  helmets  or 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  249 

respirators)  will  be  issued.  Perhaps  he  will  re- 
ceive the  Box  Respirator,  the  latest  invention,  or 
the  P.  G.  cloth  helmet,  as  these  have  proven  very 
effective  on  the  Western  Front. 

This  helmet  is  made  of  cloth,  treated  with  a 
sticky  chemical  substance,  and  is  shaped  like  a 
bag  about  two  feet  long.  In  it  are  two  round 
glass  eyes  fitted  into  metal  sockets;  around  these 
sockets  and  inside  the  helmet,  is  a  thick  lining  of 
spongy  porus  rubber.  There  is  a  metal  tube  cov- 
ered with  rubber  which  fits  in  the  mouth.  On 
the  end  of  this  tube  which  projects  from  the 
helmet  is  a  rubber  valve. 

Each  soldier  carries  two  of  these  helmets, 
wrapped  in  a  waterproof  casing,  in  a  canvas  bag 
or  pouch,  slung  around  his  shoulder  by  means  of 
a  canvas  strap.  He  should  never,  even  while 
sleeping,  let  these  helmets  leave  his  person. 

When  the  alarm  is  sounded,  helmets  should  be 

adjusted  in  this  manner: 

The  two  essentials  to  be  considered     . 

Adjustment 

are   speed  and   proper  adjustment.     A 
soldier   through  practice  ought  to  be  able  to  put 
on  his  gas  helmet  properly  in  eighteen  seconds  or 
less.     Keep  cool,  but  waste  no  time  in  doing  so; 
seconds  mean  life  or  death  to  you. 


250  First  Call 

First  unbutton  the  two  top  buttons  of  your 
blouse;  take  out  your  helmet;  remove  the  water- 
proof covering.  Place  the  helmet  over  your 
head,  making  stire  that  the  eye  sockets  are  facing 
front;  then  carefully,  but  quickly  tuck  the  ends 
well  under  the  collar,  seeing  that  the  part  around 
the  back  of  the  neck  is  tight  and  well  tucked  in. 
The  end  of  the  helmet  in  front  must  not  be  bunched 
up, — smooth  it  out,  so  that  no  folds  or  channels 
are  left  for  the  gas  to  enter.  Then  securely  but- 
ton the  blouse,  turn  up  the  collar,  and  where 
possible,  tie  something  tightly  around  the  neck, 
but  not  so  tight  as  to  interfere  with  breathing. 
Tape  from  the  helmet  carrier  is  practicable.  This 
will  prevent  the  gas  penetrating  the  uniform 
and  working  up  under  the  loose  ends  of  the 
helmet. 

Place  the  mouth-piece  in  the  mouth,  adjust  the 
goggles  or  eye  sockets  so  that  they  are  in  place  over 
the  eyes,  get  on  the  highest  ground  possible,  and 
then  laugh  at  Fritz's  example  of  Kultur. 

The  poison  gas  penetrates  the  cloth  helmet  but 
the  chemicals  purify  it,  so  you  are  breathing  com- 
paratively pure  air.  Breathe  through  your  nose. 
Always  keep  the  tube  in  the  mouth.  Exhale  the 
foul  air  through  this  tube.     The  rubber  valve  on 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  251 

the  end  of  the  tube  allows  exhaling  but  closes 
and  prevents  inhaling.  This  prevents  drawing  the 
outside  gas  into  the  lungs. 

If  you  feel  gas  working  through  your  helmet,  do 
not  wait  until  you  are  overcome  with  the  fumes, — 
no  doubt  your  helmet  is  in  some  way  defective,  so 
change  helmets  immediately  in  this  manner: 

Untie  the  tape  around  your  neck;  get  out  your 
other  helmet;  remove  the  waterproof  covering; 
hold  the  loose  ends  in  one  hand  so  that  no  gas  can 
get  in;  unbotton  the  blouse  as  before.  Now  take 
a  deep  breath,  grasp  the  old  helmet  at  the  top  with 
the  right  hand  and  with  a  quick  jerk  pull  it  off 
and  throw  it  away.  Now  you  are  exposed  to  the 
gas.  There  will  be  a  great  temptation  to  draw  in 
a  deep  breath,  but  even  if  your  lungs  seem  to  be 
bursting,  do  not  breathe  because  it  means  probable 
death  to  you,  and  a  horrible  one  at  that.  Quickly 
put  on  your  new  helmet,  being  careful  not  to  allow 
any  more  gas  than  possible  to  enter  it.  Adjust 
as  before.  Put  the  mouth-piece  in  the  mouth 
before  exhaling. 

Even  though  each  soldier  is  supplied  ^ 

Emergencies 

with  two  helmets,  it  sometimes  happens 

that  through  carelessness  or  accident  a  man  gets 

caught  in  a  gas  attack  without  his  helmet.     Here 


^0-^ 


First  Call 


are  a  few  tips  which  may  perhaps  save  your  life 
if  you  happen  to  be  the  one  who  is  caught. 

These  methods  are  objectionable  and  crude  but 
still  their  use  is  preferable  to  being  gassed.  They 
have  been  tried,  especially  in  the  earlier  stages  of 
the  war,  with  varying  success.  Of  course  do  not 
rely  on  these  to  carry  you  through  the  attack,  neg- 
lecting the  precautions  before  given.  Still  they 
will  probably  save  you  in  an  emergency  until  you 
have  time  to  secure  a  helmet  or  to  reach  an  ad- 
vanced dressing  station. 

1.  Take  your  handkerchief,  scarf,  muffler,  or  a 
piece  of  your  undershirt ;  put  into  this  a  couple  of 
handfuls  of  damp  earth  {not  mud,  for  you  cannot 
breathe  through  it)  and  tie  the  cloth  tightly  over  the 
nose  and  mouth. 

2.  Take  any  woolen  article  handy  and  wet  it, 
using  the  water  in  your  water  bottle  or  canteen; 
wring  it  out,  and  tie  it  over  the  nose  and  mouth. 

3.  A  scarf,  folded  into  six  or  eight  folds,  satu- 
rated with  tea  or  soda  solution  and  held  over  the 
nose,  will  also  do  in  an  emergency.  Breathe 
through  the  nose.  It  may  be  possible  to  get  the 
soda  solution  from  one  of  the  buckets  which  have 
been  placed  in  the  trench  by  the  medical  corps,  for 
use  in  mixing  the  solution  for  the  sprayers. 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  253 

4.  Get  a  piece  of  sandbag,  a  sock,  scarf,  or 
comforter  and  urinate  on  it;  wring  it  out  suf- 
ficiently to  enable  breathing.  This  is  a  very  repul- 
sive method,  but  when  your  life  depends  on  it, 
lines  cannot  be  drawn  too  fine. 

If  a  man  is  wounded  during  a  gas  attack,  do  not 
remove  his  helmet  or  place  him  in  a  dugout  or  low 
part  of  the  trench;  put  him  on  top  of  the  ground 
even  though  he  be  exposed  to  fire.  It  is  better  to 
take  the  chance  of  his  being  hit  again  than  to  con- 
demn him  to  almost  certain  death  in  a  hole  or 
dugout. 

Another  factor  to  be  considered  when 

"  Tear  Shell " 

dealing  with  "Gas"  is  the  lachrymose 
chemical  shell,  or ' '  tear  shell "  as  it  is  caUed,  so  nick- 
named because  it  brings  water  or  tears  to  the  eyes. 

This  shell  has  no  permanent  ill  effects, — it 
simply  causes  a  severe  smarting  and  watering  of 
the  eyes,  temporarily  blinding  [the  soldier  during 
an  attack. 

If  your  eyes  begin  to  smart  and  water,  do  not 
rub  them,  but  keep  on  moving  foru^ard  and  they 
will  soon  clear. 

To  combat  "tear  shells,"  goggles  have  been  is- 
sued, with  square  mica  cyc-holes.  They  look  like 
the  masks  worn  at  a  masquerade  party,  only  they 


254  First  Call 

are  khaki  in  color.  There  is  a  Httle  spring  that  grips 
the  nose  and  two  pieces  of  tape  sewn  on  the  mask. 

As  soon  as  you  feel  the  effects  of  a j" tear  shell," 
put  on  your  goggles,  passing  the  ends  of  the  tape 
around  the  back  of  the  head,  from  front  to  rear; 
then  bring  the  ends  around  to  the  forehead  and  tie 
them  tightly  in  front,  using  a  bow  knot. 

A  good  stunt  is  smearing  the  inside  edges  of  the 
' '  tear  shell "  goggles  with  grease  or  vaseline.  The 
cloth  will  then  stick  to  the  face  and  prevent  the 
chemical  from  getting  in  under  the  edges.  Do  not 
use  bacon  grease,  because  the  salt  in  it  is  liable  to 
work  into  the  eyes,  causing  smarting. 

A  few  "Don'ts"  in  reference  to  gas  helmets: 

If  you  lose  your  gas  helmet,  don't  wait  until 
to-morrow,  it  might  be  too  late  then — report  the 
fact  to  your  officer  or  N.  C.  0.  and  get  a  new  one 
immediately. 

Don't  expose  your  gas  helmet  to  the  air,  because 
the  chemical  quickly  evaporates. 

Don't  go  without  your  helmet, — even  for  one 
minute. 

Don't  try  to  improve  on  it, — experts  are  paid 
for  that. 

Don't  borrow  a  helmet  for  inspection  if  yours  is 
defective — turn  your  old  one  in  and  get  a  new  one. 


u.  &  u. 


A  Flame-Thrower. 


A  Gas  Helmet. 


Fighting  Fire  with  Fire  255 

In  accordance  with  their  dastardly  system  of 
Kultur,  the  Germans  were  the  first  to  intro- 
duce and  employ  the  use  of  liquid  fire  in  this 
war.  Again  I  must  emphasize  the  fact 
that  while  in  fighting  an  honorable 
enemy  international  rules  of  warfare  should  be 
strictly  followed,  in  this  war  our  enemy  is  far  from 
being  honorable.  We  are  fighting  uncivilized 
savages  and  the  only  way  to  successfully  com- 
bat  such  people  is  to  adopt  and  turn  their  own 
methods  and  weapons  against  them. 

In  February,  191 5,  at  Malancourt,  and  later  at 
Vaquois  in  March,  191 5,  the  Germans  made  their 
first  use  of  liquid  fire  against  the  French  forces. 
Liquid  fire  is  simply  petroleum  kept  under  high 
pressure  in  cylinders  or  tanks.  It  is  really  a 
mass  of  burning  globules  of  oil  and  has  a  terrible 
effect  on  the  men  it  sprays.  They  suffer  agony. 
The  method  used  in  attacking  is  as  follows : 

A  cylinder,  greatly  resembling  a  fire  extinguisher 
is  strapped  to  the  back  of  a  soldier;  a  pipe  with  a 
nozzle  like  that  on  a  garden  hose  leads  from  the 
cylinder.  This  nozzle  is  like  a  valve  and  can  be 
operated  at  will  by  the  man,  projecting  or  shut- 
ting off  the  jet  or  spray  of  flaming  liquid.  The 
jet  has  a  range  of  twenty-five  to  forty  feet. 


256  First  Call 

Liquid  fire  causes  a  dense  black  smoke  which 
often  obscures  the  man  carrying  the  cyHnder. 
This  fire  cannot  be  used  in  the  face  of  a  strong 
wind,  as  it  would  be  blown  back  upon  the  attackers 
with  dire  results.  It  takes  considerable  nerve  for 
troops  to  resist  an  attack  of  this  kind  but  they 
have  successfully  done  this  many  times  and  are 
still  doing  it.  Sometimes,  where  the  trenches  are 
very  close  together,  liquid  fire  has  been  projected 
from  the  German  trenches  into  those  of  the  French. 
This  has  been  effected  by  pumps  operated  by  hand 
or  motors,  but  a  very  light  grade  of  petroleum 
must  be  used  in  this  method.  Often  the  oil  fails 
to  remain  burning  after  it  has  been  projected  into 
the  air  but  it  may  be  again  ignited  by  bursting 
bombs. 

In  certain  instances  on  the  Western  Front  liquid 
fire  has  been  successfully  combated  by  the  digging 
of  ditches  at  night,  in  front  of  the  trench,  and  filling 
these  with  some  porous  material  soaked  in  heavy 
oils  or  tar,  and  so  arranged  that  it  may  be  promptly 
lighted.  Sometimes  gas  lines  were  laid  for  this 
purpose ;  sometimes  fire  balls  were  used.  The  heat 
and  fiames  from  the  fire  in  these  ditches  dissipate 
the  jets  of  liquid  fire,  causing  them  to  rise  and 
disburse. 


CHAPTER  XXIX 


THE   ATTACK 


"\  X  THEN  a  man  joins  the  army  he  is  very  curi- 

"  ^       ous  to  see  how  he  will  look  in  uniform 

(I  know  this  from  personal  experience).     As  soon 

as  he  gets  into  army  clothes  he  makes  a  rush  for 

the  nearest  looking-glass.     His  uniform  may  be  a 

couple  of  sizes  too  small  or  may  be  too  large — it 

makes  no  difference  to  him.     The  picture  of  a 

wonderful  soldier  is  flashed  back  at  him  from  the 

glass.     His  imagination  "carries  on"  further  and 

he  sees  himself  gloriously  leading  a  charge,  with 

men  dropping  all  around  him,  shells  bursting  and 

bullets  kicking  up  the  dirt  every\vhere.     This  is 

his  idea  of  a  charge.     As  a  matter  of  fact  it  is  quite 

different  now  on  the   Western    Front,   although 

in  other  wars,  when  open  fighting  was  the  order, 

the  soldier's  above  fancies  may  have  been  near  the 

truth   (that   is  eliminating  the  personal  factor). 

How  is  an  attack  conducted  on  the  Western  Front? 
17  257 


258  First  Call 

The  preparations  as  well  as  the  actual  attack  are 
very  complicated  and  beautiful  pieces  of  work. 
Every  branch  of  the  service  is  represented  and 
has  its  important  part  to  play. 

The  troops  that  have  been  holding 

Preparation 

the  line  prior  to  the  attack  are  us- 
ually not  the  ones  selected  to  go  over  the  top  in  the 
actual  charge.  They  are  generally  relieved  the 
day  previous  by  fresh  troops,  which  have  been 
billeted  anywhere  from  five  to  ten  kilos  behind 
the  lines,  and  have  known  that  they  are  to  go  over 
the  top  at  least  two  or  three  days  prior  to  the 
actual  taking  over  of  the  trenches.  These  two 
or  three  days  are  busy  periods  for  them.  All 
equipment,  rifles,  gas  masks,  first-aid  packets, 
etc.,  are  carefully  inspected,  unserviceable  stuff 
condemned  and  new  issued  in  its  place.  Equip- 
ment that  is  not  to  be  used  in  the  actual  attack  is 
turned  in  to  the  Company  Quartermaster.  This 
consists  of  blankets,  packs,  and  personal  belong- 
ings. Officers  in  each  platoon  make  a  personal 
check  of  each  man's  next  of  kin,  so  that  relatives 
can  be  notified  by  the  government  in  case  of 
wounding  or  death. 

Generally  the  attack  is  rehearsed  and  each  unit 
is  informed  of  the  part  it  must  play.     If  possible. 


The  Attack  259 

a  few  hours  before  taking  over  the  trench,  the 
men  take  baths,  and  clean  underwear  is  issued  to 
them, — this  to  prevent  infection  of  wounds. 
The  Royal  Engineers  get  busy,  and  the  night  pre- 
vious to  the  attack  (it  generally  taking  place  at 
dawn),  they  place  scaling  ladders  in  the  front  line 
trenches.  These  ladders  are  of  wood,  from  seven 
to  eight  feet  long.  They  are  placed  against  the 
parapet,  securely  held  by  wooden  stakes  driven 
into  the  front  wall  of  the  trench,  and  nailed  to  the 
sides  of  the  ladders.  Only  one  man  is  able  to  go 
up  a  ladder  at  a  time.  Stakes  are  also  driven  into 
the  parapet,  making  a  kind  of  ladder  or  stairway 
by  means  of  which  men  are  enabled  to  climb  out 
of  the  trench.  The  Royal  Engineers,  under  cover 
of  darkness,  cut  winding  lanes  through  the  barbed 
wire  to  allow  the  passage  of  the  attacking  troops 
at  dawn. 

Extra  ammunition  is  issued  in  canvas  bando- 
liers, each  containing  fifty  rounds.  Every  man 
in  the  attack  carries  two  or  more  of  these 
bandoliers. 

On  the  Western  Front  the  element  of 

The 
surprise  is  usually  eliminated  from  s-t- Bojni,ardment 

tack,  on  account  of  the  artillery  prelude 

required.      A  host  of  batteries  bombard  tlie  enemy 


26o  First  Call 

lines  from  two  hours  to  four  or  five  days  before 
the  attack.  The  barbed  wire  and  other  defenses 
must  be  smashed  to  a  pulp  before  the  infantry 
go  "over  the  top."  As  soon  as  the  intense  bom- 
bardment opens,  the  defenders  of  the  enemy 
trenches  realize  that  an  infantry  attack  will 
probably  follow. 

At  a  time  designated  from  Headquarters,  the 
artillery  opens  up.  The  small  caliber  guns, 
eighteen  pounders  up  to  "four  fives,"  land  in 
the  enemy  front  line  trench  and  barbed  wire, 
playing  havoc  with  these  strong  defenses.  The 
larger  caliber  guns  ("four  fives"  up  to  the  big  fif- 
teen-inch howitzers)  throw  their  shells  farther 
behind  the  lines,  searching  out  machine-gun 
emplacements,  enemy  artillery,  dugouts,  ammuni- 
tion dumps,  etc.  Under  cover  of  this  bombard- 
ment, reserve  troops  are  moved  up  and  massed 
behind  the  lines.  About  an  hour  before  the  time 
planned  for  the  attack,  these  troops  move  up  to 
the  front  line,  completely  filling  the  communica- 
tion trenches.  At  the  time  designated,  which  is 
generally  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the 
artillery  lifts  its  barrage  to  a  point  farther  behind 
the  enemy  lines  and  the  successive  lines  of  attack- 
ers or  "waves,"  as  they  are  called,  go  over,  under 


The  Attack  261 

the  protection  of  this  overhead  fire.  In  the  first 
part  of  the  war  a  charge  was  made  on  the  run, 
but  it  was  found  that  the  stronger  and  braver 
hit  the  Hnes  first.  The  shock  was  scattering, 
a  man  here  and  there  hitting  the  Hne,  and  the 
defenders  could  more  easily  repel  the  attack. 
Now  the  troops  march  steadily  forward,  with  in- 
tervals of  a  few  feet  between  the  men.  As  some 
are  hit,  the  ranks  close,  filling  in  the  gaps.  More 
men  are  lost  in  crossing  No  Man's  Land,  by 
this  method,  but  when  the  wave  hits  the  line, 
the  shock  of  impact  is  concentrated.  The  defend- 
ers have  their  hands  busy,  and  the  trench  is  surer 
of  capture. 

After    the     attacking    forces    have 

Consolidation 
taken    the    front    line    sector   of   the 

enemy  trenches,  they  consolidate  or  "dig  in."    This 

means  that  they  prepare  or  fortify  their  captured 

position  in  order  to  repel  counter  attacks  launched 

against  them  by  the  enemy.    You  must  understand 

that  the  enemy  trench,  just   attacked,  has  been 

built  with  the  idea  of  repelling  our  frontal  attack 

— therefore  after  the  trench  is  taken  it  means  that 

we  must  reverse  the  order  of  things  and  strengthen 

the  rear  wall   of    the    trench    which   is   now   our 

J  rout. 


262  First  Call 

While  this  taking  and  consoHdating 
of  Fire"  ^^  ^^^  enemy  trench  is  going  on,  the 
artillery  has  estabhshed  what  is  called 
a  "curtain  of  fire,"  a  few  hundred  yards  in  the 
rear  of  the  captured  front  line  enemy  trench,  by 
the  constant  dropping  of  high  explosive  shells 
in  a  straight  line  across  their  communication 
trenches.  It  is  impossible  for  the  defenders  of 
the  trench  to  retreat  through  this  "curtain  of 
fire"  and  equally  impossible  to  send  supplies, 
ammunition,  or  reinforcements  to  the  defenders. 

After  the  captured  front  line  trench  is  sufficiently 
consolidated,  at  a  specified  time,  the  curtain  of  fire 
lifts  and  is  established  still  farther  in  the  enemy 
lines.  Fresh  troops  have  arrived  to  reinforce  the 
original  attackers.  These  troops,  upon  the  lifting 
of  the  curtain  fire,  move  forward  and  take  the  new 
sector,  and  after  capturing,  consolidate  it.  Then 
again  the  curtain  of  fire  is  lifted  and  established 
still  farther  on,  a  new  sector  is  taken,  and  so  on 
until  the  objective  is  obtained. 

On  the  Western  Front  a  very  clever 

Barrage  method    is    also    used    by    which    the 

movements   of   the   troops,    especially 

in  an  attack,  are  covered  up  and  screened,  namely 

— dropping    Stokes    bombs    or    "smoke    shells" 


The  Attack  263 

between  the  enemy  and  our  troops.  The  smoke 
barrage  is  very  useful  in  an  attack. 

The  artillery  by  use  of  these  shells,  which 
emit  a  dense  white  smoke  when  exploding,  are 
able  to  establish  a  curtain  of  smoke  across  the 
entire  front  of  the  enemy,  if  the  wind  is  not  blow- 
ing hard.  It  appears  like  a  thick  fog,  and  if  there 
is  no  wind,  will  hug  the  ground  for  a  long  period. 
In  a  large  attack  the  smoke  barrage  is  generally 
used  two  or  three  times  before  the  charge  really 
takes  place. 

A  nerve-racking  ruse  was  tried  during  the 
three  days  before  the  commencing  of  the  battle 
of  the  Somme.  The  artillery  would  bombard  the 
German  lines  intensely  for  about  two  hours; 
then  a  smoke  barrage  would  be  thrown  across  No 
Man's  Land,  thus  giving  the  Germans  the  idea 
that  our  troops  were  coming  over.  The  Fritzes 
would  then  turn  loose  with  shrapnel,  machine- 
gun  and  rifle  fire,  while  we  were  sitting  in  our 
trenches  laughing  at  their  "windy  "  efforts.  Then 
the  smoke  cleared  away.  They  must  have  felt 
very  cheap  to  find  that  they  had  been  firing  at 
nothing.  The  next  day  the  same  ruse  was  worked, 
and  again  the  Germans  turned  loose;  once  again 
on  the  following  day  the  ]jrogram  was  rcj^cated. 


264  First  Call 

By  this  time  the  Germans'  nerves  must  have 
been  shattered,  for  on  the  morning  of  the  real 
attack,  when  the  smoke  barrage  was  again  turned 
on  their  lines,  very  little  firing  took  place,  and  in 
many  sectors  of  the  line,  the  Enghsh  troops  ad- 
vanced almost  within  striking  distance  of  the 
German  lines  before  they  were  fired  upon. 

In  going  through  a  smoke  barrage,  a  soldier 
either  wears  his  gas  mask  or  "tear  shell"  goggles. 
While  advancing  through  a  smoke  barrage  he  has 
a  very  peculiar  sensation  (at  least  I  did).  He  is 
able  to  see  nothing  around  him  and  imagines  that 
he  is  all  alone.  He  feels  that  his  comrades  have 
forsaken  him  and  that  he  alone  is  attacking  the 
whole  German  army.  Perhaps  he  will  pause  and 
falter  until  a  gruff  voice  within  a  few  feet  of  him 
lets  out  an  oath  as  he  stumbles  over  something  on 
the  ground  or  hears  a  cry  of  pain  as  a  man  is 
hit.  Then  at  last  he  comes  into  his  own  and 
"carries  on." 

Even  grim  warfare  has  its  amusing 
side.  I  think  the  funniest  thing  I  ever 
saw  in  France  was  the  first  tank  going  into  action. 
This,  as  you  have  probably  noticed  from  the 
motion  pictures  now  in  this  country,  is  a  huge 
armored  car,  built  on  a  tractor.     It  crosses,  in  its 


The  Attack  265 

awkward,  lumbering  way,  trenches,  craters,  de- 
pressions, and  cuts  the  barbed  wire.  Nothing 
stands  against  it,  and  it  is  proof  against  missiles 
of  all  kinds,  except  an  H.  E.  shell,  which  records 
a  direct  hit. 

The  Germans  have  not  used  it  because  it  is 
only  effective  on  the  offensive  and  the  Huns  have 
been  on  the  defensive,  practically  since  Verdun. 
They  have  made  no  attacks;  they  have  only 
countered. 

These  tanks  going  into  action  and  crossing 
No  Man's  Land  look  like  giant  toads,  or  some 
leviathan,  prehistoric  animals.  On  their  first 
appearance  whole  battalions  almost  forgot  to 
fight  and  shouted  with  laughter,  so  ridiculous  were 
the  motions  of  these  strange  iron  monsters. 


CHAPTER  XXX 


TRENCH    RAIDS 


A  T  the  best,  a  trench  raid  is  a  very  risky  and 
■^^  unpleasant  job.  Men  are  very  seldom 
detailed  for  this  work;  a  call  for  volunteers  is 
usually  made.  It  isn't  necessary  to  volunteer 
for  every  raid  that  comes  along,  but  don't  be  a 
worm  and  let  the  other  fellow  do  it  all.  It  never 
feels  as  fine  to  slap  a  returning  successful  trench 
raider  on  the  back  and  say,  "Good  work,  Jones, 
old  boy,"  as  it  does  to  be  Jones  and  get  slapped 
on  the  back. 

If  you  adopt  "for  keeps "  this  old  trench  saying, 
"If  you're  going  to  get  it,  you'll  get  it,"  you  will 
find  that  Mr.  Worry  disappears  "over  the  top" 
and  your  spirits  rise  to  a  great  height,  dragging 
your  actions  with  them. 

It    is   morning — you    have    volunteered    for   a 

trench  raid,   which  is  going  to  take  place   that 

night.     Don't  "mill"  over  the  fact  that  you  are 

266 


Trench  Raids  267 

likely   to  be   captured,   killed,  or  wounded;   this 

will  sap  your  nerve  and  clog  your  thinking-machine. 

Just  forget  the  killed  and  wounded  stuff  and  get 

ready.     Brain  fag  will  not  win  wars;  it  is  the  use 

of  ordinary  common  sense  which  makes 

victories  possible.     Many  military  men         General 

Common 
and  others  may  throw  up  their  hands         Sense 

at  the  apparent  ignorance  of  this  last 
statement, — but  go  back  in  history  and  figure  it 
out  for  yourself.  Get  nearer  home  and  review  this 
war,  battle  for  battle,  and  campaign  for  campaign, 
and  you  will  find  that  all  of  the  victories  were  won 
by  old  General  Common  Sense. 

When  you  get  a  chance  (and  if  you  do  not  get 
a  chance,  make  one),  ask  the  officer  in  charge  of 
the  raid  what  the  raiders  are  supposed  to  accom- 
plish; and  find  out  at  what  part  of  the  trench 
they  are  to  go  "over  the  top,"  and  the  exact  spot 
at  which  they  are  supposed  to  enter  the  German 
trench.  Go  to  the  section  of  trench  where  the 
raiders  are  to  go  over,  and  with  the  aid  of  a  peri- 
scope, photograph  on  your  mind  a  picture  of  the 
terrain  you  must  cross  in  No  Man's  Land.  Note 
the  rises  in  the  ground,  deep  grass,  shell  holes, 
and  the  places  which  will  afford  cover  if  the  raid 
is  a  failure  and  the  German  fire  is  hot. 


268  First  Call 

Before  the  raiding  party  goes  "over  the  top," 
each  man  is  inspected  to  make  sure  that  nothing  is 
carried  which  will  betray  to  the  enemy  the  name 
of  his  regiment,  brigade,  or  division.  If  a  man  is 
killed  or  taken  prisoner,  in  a  German  trench,  he  is 
immediately  taken  before  an  officer  detailed  for 
that  purpose,  and  searched,  in  order  to  find  out 
what  troops  are  occupying  the  English  trenches. 
The  enemy  have  gained  valuable  military  informa- 
tion when  they  learn  whom  they  are  opposing, 
because  each  battalion,  brigade,  and  division  has 
a  peculiar  fighting  method  of  its  own.  These 
methods  are  well-known  to  the  efficient  Higher 
German  Officers  and  they  can  better  prepare  for 
attack,  when  once  they  know  the  identity  of  the 
units  opposite. 

Identification  disks,  pay  books,  let- 
Behind  ^^■^^'  Pepsi's,  and  regimental  insignia, 
and  the  uniform  are  left  behind  in 
charge  of  your  platoon  officer  or  captain.  There- 
fore if  you  are  killed  or  captured  you  will  be  re- 
ported in  the  Allied  casualty  lists  as  "missing," 
but  as  "unknown"  in  the  German  records  if  you 
are  killed  (there  being  nothing  to  properly 
identify  you) . 

Uncertainty    is   even   worse    for   the    folks  at 


Trench  Raids  269 

home  than  actual  knowledge  of  your  fate.  To 
prevent  the  harrowing  anxiety  of  months,  in  which 
they  receive  no  word  from  you,  write  a  letter 
before  you  go  on  a  trench  raid.  Make  it  as  cheer- 
ful as  possible  under  the  circumstances.  Tell 
them  that  you  are  going  on  the  raid  and  that  if 
they  receive  the  letter  you  will  be  either  captured 
or  killed.  Upon  receipt  of  this  letter  they  can 
be  on  the  alert  and  watch  for  the  lists  of  men 
taken  prisoners.  The  warring  countries,  through 
neutral  consulates,  at  intervals  exchange  these 
lists.  Then,  if  your  name  does  not  appear  on 
these  lists,  the  folks  will  know  that  you  are  dead. 
After  writing  this  letter  carefully,  address  same 
and  turn  it  over  to  your  captain  with  instructions 
to  mail  it  if  you  do  not  return  with  the  raiding 
party.  The  captain  will  be  glad  to  do  this  for 
you. 

Now  that  you  have  attended  to  this  revert 
to  more  material  things.  Go  to  your  dugout  or 
billet  and  carefully  assemble  your  equipment. 
Arrange  it  in  a  neat  and  compact  bundle.  If 
you  are  killed,  you  will  not  need  it  again,  but  some 
other  fellow  will.  And  anyway  it  will  save  others 
trouble. 

Remember  that  successful  war  means  team  work 


270  First  Call 

and  that  every  article  that  is  saved  will  shorten 
the  war  and  cut  down  the  cost.  You  are  supposed 
to  sacrifice  your  life  for  Uncle  Sam, — well  go  one 
better  and  save  him  trouble  after  you  are  dead. 
It  seems  like  sending  a  fellow  to  the  undertaker's 
to  order  his  own  coffin  but  if  everyone  did  this 
it  would  make  things  easier  for  the  folks  left 
behind. 

After  arranging  your  equipment,  get  busy  with 
your  personal  effects,  such  as  letters  from  home, 
souvenirs,  trinkets,  mementos,  etc.  Put  them 
in  your  ration  bag;  use  an  indelible  pencil  and 
carefully  label  it  with  your  rank,  name,  number, 
company,  regiment,  brigade,  and  division.  Also 
put  the  name  and  address  of  your  next  of  kin  on 
it.  Perhaps  it  may  reach  him  or  her.  Do  not 
put  any  worthless  junk  into  this  bag,  it  will  only 
take  up  room  and  add  weight. 

After  doing  this,  leave  the  bag  in  care  of  your 
chum  or  bunkie,  with  instructions  for  him  to  watch 
out  for  the  returning  trench  raiders  and  ascertain 
if  you  are  wounded.  If  you  are  wounded  he 
can  take  the  bag  to  the  dressing  station  and  the 
medical  corps  men  will  see  that  it  is  attached  to 
your  wrist  or  ankle,  and  then,  when  you  arrive  at 
a  permanent  hospital,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 


Trench  Raids  271 

rave  about  the  government  appropriating  your 
personal  effects. 

A.  Little  Learn  a  few  phrases  in  German, — 

German  you  may  need  them  on  the  raid  (See 
Appendix).  "Auf  mit  deiner  hande"  (Up  with 
your  hands)  and  "Komm'  mit  mir"  (Come  with 
me)  are  the  two  I  hope  you  will  use.  It  may  not 
be  perfect  German  but  Fritz  can  understand 
Chinese  when  he  sees  a  Sammy  in  front  of  him. 
You  must  remember  too  that  your  work  will  be 
done  in  the  dark  where  motions  of  the  hands 
cannot  be  seen,  so  phrases  will  come  in  handy. 

Do  not  wear  your  steel  helmet  on  a  raid;  it  is 
cumbersome,  awkward,  and  heavy  while  crawl- 
ing on  the  ground.  In  its  place,  wrap  a  heavy 
knitted  woolen  scarf  around  the  head,  taking  care 
that  it  does  not  pass  over  the  ears,  because  you 
will  have  to  depend  chiefly  upon  the  sense  of  hear- 
ing. Remember  trenches  are  only  raided  on  the 
blackest  of  nights  and  that  your  eyes  are  practically 
useless. 

If  you  carry  a  levolver,  unbutton  the  flap  of  the 
holster  before  getting  in  touch  with  the  German 
barbed  wire,  because  when  you  do  need  a  revolver 
or  pistol,  you  need  it  badly.  Remember  to  place 
a  lanyard   on   your  revolver, — this  is  important 


272  First  Call 

because  you  are  very  liable  to  lose  it  in  crawl- 
ing across  No  Man's  Land.  Losing  my  revolver 
while  on  a  reconnoitering  patrol  in  No  Man's 
Land  nearly  cost  me  my  life.  Never  take  a  stift 
holster  with  you,  because  it  prevents  a  quick 
draw. 
„,       ■  „  Blacken  your  hands,  face,  and  neck. 

Blacken  Up  •' 

Do  not  be  careless  in  this  important 

feature.    Daub  it  on  thickly.    Take  off  your  tunic 

or  blouse  and  blacken  up  to  the  elbows.     Perhaps 

you  will  ask  where  blacking  can  be  obtained  in  a 

trench. 

The  best  blacking  is  made  this  way.  Get  a 
cork  from  a  pickle  bottle, — if  there  are  none  in 
your  dugout  or  billet,  the  "non-com"  in  charge 
of  rations  will  give  you  one, — burn  this  cork. 
Then  take  your  mess  tin,  put  a  little  butter  or 
jam  in  it,  and  mix  thoroughly  with  the  burned  cork 
until  you  have  a  black  paste.  Jam  is  better  than 
butter  because  it  is  more  adhesive  and  will  not 
rub  off  easily.  If  possible,  do  not  use  bacon 
grease  because  the  salt  in  it  is  liable  to  get  into 
the  e3^es  and  smart  the  skin.  Close  your  eyes 
and  blacken  the  lids. 

If  you  cannot  obtain  a  cork,  hold  the  bottom 
of  your  mess  tin  over  a  lighted  candle  and  use  the 


Trench  Raids  273 

soot,  mixing  it  with  jam  or  butter.  Matches 
can  also  be  used  but  this  takes  a  long  time  and 
you  are  liable  to  forget  that  the  mess  tin  is  hot 
and  badly  bum  your  fingers. 

Another  way:  Use  the  black  grease  from  the 
sides  of  a  "dixie"  or  iron  stew  pot.  The  cooks 
will  be  glad  to  let  you  do  this  because  you  are 
cleaning  their  pots  at  the  same  time.  Use  a  greasy 
rag  to  rub  off  this  grease. 

Blacking  up  is  very  important  for  this  reason. 
When  you  enter  the  German  trenches  you  have 
to  work  quickly, — perhaps  only  six  minutes  have 
been  allotted  in  which  to  inflict  casualties,  secure 
a  prisoner,  vacate  the  trench,  race  madly  across 
No  Man's  Land  under  a  hot  fire  to  your  own 
trenches.  In  the  German  trench  you  will  therefore 
have  to  work  as  quietly  and  quickly  as  possible, 
— it  wouldn't  do  to  shout  out  in  English  because 
this  is  a  surprise  raid  and  you  do  not  want  to 
advertise  the  fact  that  you  are  in  the  trench. 

You  are  fighting  hand  to  hand  in  a  strange  and 
narrow  trench.  It  is  hard  to  distinguish  friend 
from  foe.  Black  face  means  friend,  white  face 
means  German.  You  can  see  them,  while  they 
cannot  see  you. 

Then   too    while    crossing    No   Man's   Land   in 


274 


First  Call 


the  glare  of  a  German  star  shell,  a  black  face  does 
not  show  as  clearly  as  a  white  one. 

Another  tip:  Take  two  pairs  of  old  heavy 
woolen  socks.  Cut  off  the  feet,  pass  your  legs 
through  and  cover  the  knees,  using  them  as  you 
would  a  rubber  athletic  knee  supporter.  Do  the 
same  with  the  elbows.  Remember  that  you  have 
to  crawl  across  No  Man's  Land  on  your  elbows 
and  knees.  The  sock  covering  will  save  many 
bruises  from  stones  and  sharp  objects  which  you 
cannot  avoid  in  the  darkness. 

Each  man  should  carry  an  illuminated  wrist 
watch,  well  covered  by  the  sleeve  of  the  blouse  or 
tunic,  because  everything  is  done  by  time  on  a 
trench  raid  and  you  may  get  separated  from  the 
rest  while  in  the  German  trench.  You  do  not 
want  to  return  ahead  of  time  and  you  do  not  want 
to  stay  overtime  in  the  trench.  As  a  wrist  watch 
can  be  seen  for  several  yards  in  the  darkness, 
cover  the  watch  with  the  sleeve  so  that  its  bright 
light  will  not  betray  you. 

If,  through  an  oversight  on  the  part  of  the  officer 
in  charge,  you  have  not  been  so  instructed,  ask 
him  for  the  password.  Down  in  his  heart  he 
may  thank  you  for  reminding  him  of  this  very 
important  detail.     When  you  learn  the  password. 


Trench  Raids  275 

remember  it.  It  may  save  your  life.  When  you 
are  returning  from  a  trench  raid  the  speed  clutch 
is  generally  open, — bang,  you  run  into  your  own 
wire.  Although  the  sentries  in  your  trench  have 
been  notified  not  to  fire  as  a  trench  raiding  party 
is  out  in  front,  still  the  sentry  might  be  nervously 
constructed.  In  his  excitement  he  may  forget 
the  precaution  and,  after  challenging,  fire,  perhaps 
killing  or  wounding  you.  It  is  funny  what  silly 
and  incoherent  replies  the  challenged  makes,  under 
these  conditions,  when  challenged  by  a  sentry  in 
the  darkness.  Remember  that  password  and  give  it 
immediately. 

If  ordered  to  carry  bombs  on  the  raid  (four  per 
man  are  usually  taken),  carry  them  in  the  lower 
pockets  of  your  tunic  or  blouse,  two  in  the  right 
and  two  in  the  left.  If  wounded  in  either  arm, 
with  your  unwounded  one  you  can  readily  reach 
two  of  the  bombs.  See  that  the  buttons  for  the 
flaps  of  the  pockets  are  sewed  on  securely  or  you 
may  lose  your  bombs  when  crawling.  Be  careful 
to  button  these  flaps  and  occasionally,  while  on 
your  way,  feel  to  see  that  they  have  not  become 
unbuttoned.  A  bullet  will  not  explode  a  bomb 
loaded  with  ammonal. 

Usually    a    lane    must    be    cut    through    your 


276  First  Call 

own  barbed  wire  to  allow  the  passage  of  the  raiders 
into  No  Man's  Land.  Sometimes  the  under- 
ground passage  to  a  listening  post  or  sap  is  used. 
When  you  return  it  is  difficult  to  find  in  the  dark- 
riess  and  you  are  in  a  hurry,  therefore,  before  leav- 
ing your  trench  try  and  pick  out  some  distinctive 
mark  in  the  landscape  which  will  serve  as  a 
guide  to  this  passage.  Do  not  rely  on  your 
officer  to  lead  you  back,  for  he  may  be  killed  or 
wounded. 

A  good  stunt  for  a  raiding  party  is  worked  in 
this  way :  Tie  two  pieces  of  white  tape  to  barbed- 
wire  stakes,  one  on  each  side  of  the  passage.  The 
man  on  the  right  and  the  one  on  the  left  of  the  raid- 
ing line  (they  crawl  in  extended  order  formation) 
carry  these  balls  of  tape,  generally  in  their  pockets, 
and  unwind  the  tape  as  they  crawl  forward, 
leaving  a  white  guide  post  behind  to  show  the 
way  back. 

A  bombing  club  is  a  handy  weapon  to 

Weapons  ,        ,  ,        ,^. 

take  on  a  trench  raid .  The  one  we  used 
was  made  of  hard  wood,  about  eighteen  inches 
long,  and  shaped  like  a  cave  man's  club.  The 
handle  is  thin,  but  thick  enough  to  afford  a  good 
grip.  Through  the  hole  in  this  handle  is  a  leather 
thong.     The    loop   is   passed    around    the   wrist, 


Trench  Raids  277 

making  it  easier  to  carry  while  crawling  (just  let 
it  drag).  The  other  end  is  thick,  forming  a  large 
knob.  The  outside  of  this  knob  is  studded  with 
sharp  steel  spikes.  Down  the  center  of  the  club 
is  a  bar  of  lead  or  iron  to  give  it  weight  and  balance. 
This  club  makes  a  very  handy  weapon  in  a  narrow 
trench.     One  of  its  chief  assets  is  that  it  is  noiseless. 

Another  good  weapon  is  the  "knuckle  knife" 
or  trench  dagger.  The  blade  is  of  heavy  steel, 
about  eight  inches  long.  The  grip  is  reinforced 
over  the  knuckles  with  heavy  steel  bands  (similar 
to  brass  knuckles).  In  a  narrow  trench  you  can 
either  stab  a  man  or  shatter  his  jaw  with  a  punch. 
One  punch  generally  stuns  him  and  it  is  an  easy 
matter  to  take  him  prisoner. 

Occasionally,  a  prisoner  shows  fight  and  refuses 
to  go  along  with  his  captor.  Perhaps  in  the  excite- 
ment and  darkness  of  No  Man's  Land  he  may 
escape  and  return  to  his  own  trenches.  To  pre- 
vent this,  before  you  go  "over  the  top,"  make 
what  we  called  a  "come-along." 

Get  a  strand  of  barbed  wire  about 
r  r-        r     ,    ^  i  1  The "  Comc- 

f our  or  five  feet  long ;  make  a  loop  on  ^j      „ 
one    end,   about   a  foot    in  diameter; 
then  with  your  wire-cutter  remove  the  barbs  on 
the  other  end  and  make  a  smaller  loop  just  large 


278  First  Call 

enough  to  allow  the  passage  of  your  hand  through 
it,  thus  securing  a  firm  grip  on  the  wire. 

When  you  get  a  prisoner,  pass  the  larger  loop 
over  his  head  so  that  the  barbs  will  stick  into  his 
neck  if  he  baulks.  After  you  place  one  of  these 
"  come-alongs "  around  the  neck  of  a  Fritz,  he  is 
as  peaceful  as  a  lamb. 

Remember  that  there  must  be  no  talking  or 
giving  orders  in  No  Man's  Land;  it  is  a  surprise 
attack  and  quiet  is  essential  to  the  success  of  the 
raid.  Therefore  it  is  necessary  to  have  noiseless 
signals  in  giving  orders.  Although  the  entire 
party  is  told  exactly  what  to  do  before  starting 
on  the  raid,  you  can  readily  see  that  orders  must 
be  given,  because  soldiers  have  a  habit  of  forget- 
ting and  confusing  instructions. 

In  our  raid,  the  officer  was  on  the  right  of  the 
line  most  of  the  time.  Occasionally  when  we  had 
come  to  a  halt,  he  would  crawl  down  the  entire 
length  of  the  line  to  see  or  feel  that  everything  was 
O.  K.  I  was  on  the  extreme  left.  That  after- 
noon before  going  "over  the  top"  he  had  in- 
structed us  in  a  code  of  tap  signals  which  later 
proved  very  effective. 

This  was  the  scheme : 

He  would  twice  tap  the  man  on  his  left.     Upon 


Trench  Raids  279 

feeling  the  two  taps,  this  man  would  tap  the  man 
on  his  left  twice,  and  so  on  down  the  line  until 
the  two  taps  reached  me.  Upon  the  receipt  of 
these  taps,  I  would  tap  the  man  on  my  right 
and  the  one  tap  would  be  passed  up  the  line  until 
the  officer  received  it, — then  he  would  know  that 
his  signal  had  been  received  and  was  understood 
by  all  of  the  men  and  that  they  were  ready  to 
obey  it.  Two  taps  meant:  "Crawl  forward 
slowly  for  five  yards,  halt,  and  await  further 
orders." 

In  all,  we  had  four  signals— it  is  bad  policy  to 
have  more,  because  the  men  are  liable  to  forget  or 
confuse  them.     The  simpler  they  are  the  better. 

The  success  of  a  trench  raid  for  prisoners  de- 
pends on  surprise.  Larger  operations  such  as 
bombing  and  company  raids  do  not  necessarily 
rely  on  surprise  to  be  successful,  because,  before 
they  go  "over  the  top,"  it  is  customary  to  bombard 
the  section  of  the  German  trench  which  is  to  be 
attacked.  This  is  like  sending  Fritz  a  telegram 
reading  thusly:  "Dear  Fritz,  we  will  attack  your 
trench  as  soon  as  our  barrage  lifts."  But  it  is 
a  necessary  evil  because  the  German  barbed  wire 
has  to  be  demolished  and  their  morale  weakened 
by  shell  fire. 


28o  First  Call 

Another  great  menace  to  a  raiding 
StarSheUs  .  ^  ^ 

party  is  the  star  sheh.  This  will  not 
kill,  but  is  dangerous  because  of  the  bright  light 
it  makes,  betraying  the  party. 

The  official  name  for  a  star  shell  is  "Very  light." 
It  is  simply  a  rocket,  which  before  firing  looks 
like  a  shot-gun  shell.  It  is  about  four  to  six 
inches  in  length  and  about  one  inch  in  diameter. 
It  is  fired  from  a  flare  pistol,  which  is  held  in  the 
hand  and  aimed  over  the  top  or  parapet  of  the 
trench.  The  trigger  is  then  pulled, — a  sharp 
"plop"  report,  a  thin  thread  of  red  sparks  describ- 
ing an  arc  in  the  air,  then  the  star  shell  bursts, 
either  in  the  air  or  after  hitting  the  ground,  de- 
pending on  the  elevation  of  the  flare  pistol  when 
fired.  Then  follows  a  burst  of  intense  w^hite  cal- 
cium light  which  burns  from  twenty  to  seventy 
seconds,  lighting  up  No  Man's  Land  in  a  large 
circle. 

There  is  another  type  used,  called  the  "  para- 
chute star  shell."  This  is  fired  from  a  sawed-off 
shot-gun  and  reaches  a  height  of  about  fifty  feet  in 
the  air.  A  parachute  unfolds,  a  bright  light  burns, 
and  the  parachute  slowly  settles  to  the  ground, 
lighting  up  a  large  circle  beneath  it.  If  the  wind 
is  blowing,  this  star  shell  "travels"  and  is  very 


Trench  Raids  281 

effective.  It  covers  more  space  and  the  enemy  out 
in  front  have  difficulty  in  avoiding  its  tell-tale  light. 

Through  costly  experience  ways  have  been 
found  by  men  in  No  Man's  Land  to  combat  the 
light  from  star  shells.  Here  is  the  correct  method. 
Remember  it  because  it  may  save  your  life  later  on. 

If  a  star  shell  should  fall  and  burst  in  front  of 
you — that  is  between  you  and  the  German  trench 
— you  are  comparatively  safe  from  detection, 
because  the  Germans  cannot  see  you  through  the 
burning  light.  It  is  like  trying  to  distinguish  a 
motor  car  on  a  dark  road  while  looking  into  its 
headlights.  Even  though  the  enemy  cannot  see 
you,  it  is  safer  to  remain  motionless,  because  if 
you  are  moving  when  the  star  shell  begins  to 
splutter  out,  the  light  then  is  not  so  intense  and 
the  enemy  can  spy  the  moving  object. 

After  crawling  forward  and  getting  within  the 
range  or  "zone"  of  the  star  shells,  or  "star-shell 
zone,"  as  it  is  called,  you  must  keep  your  wits 
about  you  and  exercise  the  greatest  caution  to 
escape  detection.  You  can  always  see  a  star  shell 
coming  through  the  air,  and,  by  its  red  trail, 
similar  to  the  tail  of  a  comet,  can  readily  judge 
where  it  will  land.  As  soon  as  this  red  trail 
disappears,  drop  to  the  ground  and  lie  as  flat  as 


282  First  Call 

possible.  Keep  the  head  and  buttocks  well  dowjt. 
Do  not  move — hardly  breathe,  because  the  least 
movement  will  betray  you.  Do  not  look  up  at 
the  burning  light  or  you  will  be  temporarily  blinded 
and  will  find  it  hard  to  see  the  trail  of  the  next 
star  shell.  Under  normal  conditions  star  shells 
are  sent  up  from  the  German  trenches  about  every 
five  or  ten  minutes,  but  if  the  Germans  are  nervous, 
or  "windy"  as  we  called  it,  star  shells  will  drop 
into  No  Man's  Land  every  minute  or  so.  If  you 
are  advancing  in  the  "star-shell  zone"  and  one 
unexpectedly  bursts  behind  you,  it  is  too  late  to 
drop  to  the  ground.  The  movement  will  betray 
you.  So  as  soon  as  the  flare  bursts,  hold  your 
position,  no  matter  what  it  may  be — just  as  if  you 
were  a  statue.  Do  not  move  a  muscle.  You  are 
in  a  dangerous  position  and  must  trust  to  luck. 
Your  form  looms  up  against  the  burning  light 
as  an  indistinct  blur  to  the  German  eyes.  They 
won't  fire  until  they  are  certain  what  the  blur  is 
— that  is  unless  a  nervous  sentry  is  on  guard. 
He  is  liable  to  fire  at  the  moon  and  has  just  about 
as  much  chance  of  hitting  you.  So  if  you  are  fired 
at,  don't  duck,  though  it  takes  an  awful  lot  of 
nerve  to  keep  still. 

With   a   tell-tale   movement  the    game   is   up. 


Trench  Raids  283 

Perhaps  they  won't  fire  at  the  time  you  move  but 
will  concentrate  the  aim  of  their  rifles,  perhaps 
a  whole  platoon  of  them,  on  the  spot  where  you 
were  sighted.  Then,  out  of  their  trench  will  come 
seven  or  eight  star  shells  falling  all  about  you  and 
the  raiding  party — then  a  hail  of  rapid  fire.  Even 
if  this  happens  do  not  spring  to  your  feet  and  run 
madly  back  to  your  trench.  If  you  do,  it  is  dol- 
lars to  doughnuts  that  you  will  be  hit.  Hug  the 
ground  as  closely  as  possible  and  crawl  back.  At 
night  a  bullet  fired  from  a  trench  generally  goes 
high.  The  soldier  is  safe,  if  he  is  close  to  the 
ground. 

If  the  party  approaches  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  front  of  the  German 
barbed  wire  without  being  seen,  the  least  noise 
spells  failure  of  the  raid  and  many  casualties. 
Now,  be  on  the  lookout  for  the  "trap  wires," 
listening  posts,  reconnoitering  patrols,  and  work- 
ing parties. 

"Trap  wires"  are  barbed  wires,  strung  about 
six  inches  from  the  ground  and  attached  to  small 
stakes,  driven  in  the  earth.  These  may  cause 
nasty  and  noisy  falls,  laceration  of  the  hands  and 
knees  and  entangling  of  the  uniform.  The  sound 
of  the  ripping  betrays  you  to  the  enemy. 


284  First  Call 

When  the  raiding  party  gets  within  a  few- 
yards  of  the  German  wire,  three  or  four  men, 
who  have  been  previously  detailed  as  "scouts," 
armed  with  wire  cutters,  which  are  insulated  with 
rubber,  noiselessly  crawl  forward  and  reconnoiter, 
while  the  remainder  of  the  party  hug  the  ground 
and  wait — just  wait.  This  waiting  is  awful  sus- 
pense,— the  worst  part  of  the  whole  raid.  But 
soon  the  scouts  return  and  you  get  the  tap  signal 
to  "carry  on." 

In  the  smaller  raids  you  will  always  have  to 
cut  the  wire,  sometimes  also  in  the  larger  raids, 
when  the  entanglement  has  not  been  sufficiently 
demolished  by  shell  fire.  This  is  hair-raising 
work,  with  the  Germans  so  near  that  you  can 
hear  their  conversation. 

The  wire  is  very  thick  and  ofttimes  taut.  To 
cut  it  noiselessly,  grasp  the  strand  about  two  inches 
from  the  stake  with  the  left  hand ;  with  your  wire 
cutters  in  the  right  nip  the  wire  and  lower  the 
severed  end  slowly  and  noiselessly  to  the  ground, 
taking  care  not  to  touch  another  wire.  Then  cut 
this  wire  from  the  stake  and  place  it  out  of  the 
way.  If  you  cut  a  taut  wire  in  the  middle,  that  is 
half  way  between  the  stakes  to  which  it  is  attached, 
it  will  curl  up  perhaps  hitting  you  in  the  face  or 


Trench  Raids  285 

becoming  entangled  in  your  uniform,  and  will 
also  betray  your  presence  to  the  Germans  by  the 
sound  it  makes, — a  loud  "twang"  like  the  snap- 
ping of  a  banjo  string. 

If  the  officer  in  charge  considers  it  too  risky 
to  negotiate  the  wire,  he  will  give  the  tap  signal 
meaning  "about  turn"  or  "to  the  rear" — then 
you  either  return  to  your  trenches  or  strike  at 
another  point. 

If  the  wire  is  successfully  negotiated,  then  it  is 
time  to  rush  the  trench,  inflict  as  many  casualties 
as  possible,  secure  prisoners,  then — back  to  your 
own  trench.  Remember  that  you  went  out  after 
prisoners.  Sometimes  it  is  necessar}^  to  draw  the 
fire  of  the  enemy  and  sacrifice  one's  own  life,  so 
that  your  mates  in  charge  of  the  prisoners  will 
have  a  chance  to  get  them  across  in  safety. 

Do  not  feel  ashamed  if  you  are  afraid  while 
raiding  a  trench.  Every  time  I  went  out  I  was 
"scared  stiff." 


CHAPTER  XXXI 

THE  WOUNDED 

A  X /"HEN    orders   are    received   or   information 

obtained  that  an  attack  is  to  take  place 

and  that  you  are  to  be  one  of  those  who  must 

"go  over  the  top,"  take  a  bath,  if  possible,  and 

above  all,   put  on  clean  underwear.      In  trench 

life   facilities    are  not   always  available,   but   try 

and    attend    to    this.      Missiles    that    wound    a 

man    usually    carry    part    of    the    underclothing 

into    the    wound.       If     not     clean,    infection    is 

liable    to    follow,    especially   in    hurts   caused   by 

"dum   dums  "   ricochet  bullets,   or  fragments  of 

shell. 

If  hit,  don't  lose  your  nerve  or  become  excited. 

The  worst  part  of  being  wounded  is  not  the  pain, 

as  generally  there  is  very  little,— it  is  the  suspense 

during  the  first  ten  to  thirty  seconds  after  being 

hit,  when  one  is  trying  to  ascertain  whether  the 

injury  is  mortal  or  not.     Above  all  things  do  not 

286 


The  Wounded  287 

go  into  a  frenzy  of  fear, — be  cool  and  work  quietly 

and  quickly. 

First  ascertain  where  and  how  badly 
First  Aid  •' 

you  are  hit.  If  you  are  bleeding 
freely,  it  is  easy  to  tell  by  the  color  and  flow  of 
the  blood  whether  a  vein  or  artery  is  severed. 
If  a  vein,  the  flow  will  be  steady  and  the 
blood  dark  red;  if  an  artery,  the  flow  is  jerky 
(from  the  pumping  of  the  heart)  and  the  color 
is  a  bright  red.  Get  out  your  first-aid  packet, 
apply  a  tourniquet,  using  your  bayonet  or  en- 
trenching tool  handle  to  tighten  it.  If  a  vein 
is  severed,  place  a  tourniquet  near  the  wound,  on 
the  side  farthest  from  the  heart.  If  an  artery, 
place  the  tourniquet  near  the  wound  on  the  side 
nearest  the  heart.  In  your  first-aid  packet  you 
will  find  a  capsule  of  iodine.  Pour  the  contents 
into  the  open  wound;  use  the  iodine  freely, — do 
not  be  afraid  of  an  overdose  for  it  cannot  harm 
you.  Although  it  will  cause  a  good  deal  of  smart- 
ing, still  it  may  save  your  life  or  the  amputation 
of  a  limb. 

If  you  receive  a  body  wound  lie  still — do  not 
try  to  crawl  in.  Wait  for  the  stretcher-bearers; 
they  will  come.  This  caution  is  particularly 
necessary  if  you  are  hit  in  the  stomach. 


288  First  Call 

Do  not  drink  water;  simply  moisten 
Water  . 

the  mouth.     1  hts  ts  very  important. 

Fix  your  bandage  intelligently,  so  that  it  keeps 
the  wound  free  from  dirt.  Remember  that  an 
improperly  bandaged  wound  causes  more  harm 
than  good.  If  bones  are  broken,  lie  as  still  as 
possible,  until  help  arrives.  If  you  do  not  fully 
understand  how  to  make  and  use  a  splint,  forget 
about  it, — let  the  doctors  do  it. 

If  wounded  out  in  No  Man's  Land  at  night 
and  there  is  heavy  rifle,  machine  gun,  or  shrapnel 
fire  all  around,  do  not  try  to  crawl  or  limp  to 
your  own  lines.  Probably  you  have  lost  all  sense 
of  direction  and  will  land  against  the  German 
barbed  wire  with  dire  results  to  yourself  and  your 
wounds.  If  daylight  finds  you  lying  wounded  out 
in  front,  remain  still, — do  not  lift  your  head  or 
cry  out,  because  some  German  following  the  ethics 
of  Kultur,  so  carefully  taught  him,  will  take  delight 
in  potting  you. 

Remember  when  under  fire,  the  closer  you  hug 
the  ground  the  safer  you  will  be  from  a  "stray," 
—in  fact  the  chances  are  five  hundred  to  one  you 
won't  be  hit  if  you  follow  the  above  advice.  I 
know  from  actual  experience. 

And  don't  cuss  the  stretcher-bearers,  they  will 


The  Wounded  289 

rescue  you  in  time.     Their  lives  are  as  precious 
as  yours. 

Remember  that  if  wounded,  you  will  leave  your 
outfit  or  unit  and  perhaps  France  behind.  No 
doubt  you  have  some  personal  belongings  of  value, 
such  as  photos,  letters,  mementos  from  home, 
money,  etc.  These  very  likely  will  be  in  your 
pack,  left  in  a  dugout  or  billet.  If  you  are  not 
seriously  wounded  and  know  what  is  going  on 
around  you,  ask  one  of  the  stretcher-bearers  to 
stop  on  his  way  to  the  advanced  first-aid  post  and 
request  one  of  your  mates  to  bring  the  pack  to  the 
dressing  station.  The  stretcher-bearer  will  do 
this  for  you,  if  he  can.  On  the  whole  they  are 
a  fine  lot  of  fellows.  If  there  is  no  time  for  this, 
ask  the  medical  officer  or  sergeant  in  charge,  when 
you  arrive  at  the  dressing  station,  to  send  a  man 
to  your  company  commander  or  platoon  officer, 
with  the  request  that  your  pack  be  immediately 
sent  to  the  dressing  station.  This  will  be  done. 
When  the  pack  arrives,  pick  out  only  the  things 
of  most  value.  One  of  the  medical  men  will  put 
the  trinkets  into  a  little  bag  issued  for  this  pur- 
pose. Sec  that  the  bag  is  tied  to  your  unwounded 
wrist  or  ankle.  This  insures  the  safety  of  your 
valuables.     You  must  remember  that  the  trip  to 


290  First  Call 

the  base  hospital  is  a  long  one  and  that  you  will 
be  moved  several  times.  If  the  bag  is  lying  loose 
on  your  stretcher,  it  generally  disappears  in  the 
confusion — sort  of  gets  lost  in  the  shuffle. 

To  give  the  rookie  and  the  civilian 

an  ing  o     gQj^g  ^^q^  ^f  ^j^g  -^o^y  ^^  wounded  man 
the  Wounded  -^ 

is  cared  for  in  France,   the  channels 

he  passes  through,  and  the  noble  work  of  the  Red 
Cross,  I  will  briefly  summarize  what  happens 
from  the  time  a  man  is  hit  until  he  at  last  reaches 
a  hospital  in  England.  The  United  States  is  too 
far  from  the  scene  of  conflict  to  have  her  wounded 
sent  home  and  the  transports  which  would  other- 
wise be  used  for  hospital  ships  must  be  all  devoted 
to  the  vitally  necessary  duties  of  carrying  troops, 
supplies,  and  munitions.  Then  too  the  commanders 
of  the  t/-boats,  the  adders  of  the  sea,  have  no 
conscience  and  often  send  Red  Cross  ships  and  their 
cargoes  of  wounded  and  nurses  to  the  bottom. 
So  most  of  our  wounded  will  be  cared  for  in  French 
or  English  hospitals  and  many  a  Sammy  will  take 
the  trip  which  I  have  taken,  as  I  describe  it  below. 
If  a  man  is  wounded  after  he  has  gone  "over 
the  top"  and  is  lying  in  No  Man's  Land,  it  may 
be  some  time  before  stretcher-bearers  come  to 
the  rescue,  and  it  is  up  to  him  to  administer  his 


The  Wounded  291 

own  first  aid.  But  if  he  is  hit  while  in  a  fire 
trench  or  behind  the  Hnes,  assistance  reaches  him 
immediately,  either  at  the  hands  of  his  mates  or 
the  stretcher-bearers, 

A  few  words  on  stretcher-bearers  will  not  be 
amiss,  because  they  are  wonderful  soldiers, 
good  and  true, — sheer  grit  to  the  backbone.  A 
stretcher-bearer  is  not,  as  is  commonly  believed, 
a  member  of  the  medical  corps.  He  is  a  company 
man  who  has  been  passed  as  "proficient"  in  a 
course  of  first  aid  or  has  had  experience  in  civil 
life  in  this  line.  Stretcher-bearers  volunteer, — 
it  is  not  a  compulsory  detail.  They  are  heroes, 
if  there  is  such  a  thing  as  a  hero  in  war,  where 
every  man  is  doing  his  bit. 

Generally  there  are  from  two  to  four  stretcher- 
bearers  to  a  platoon.  They  do  not  carry  arms 
and  the  only  distinguishing  mark  is  a  white  bras- 
sard with  a  red  cross  on  it,  buttoned,  pinned,  or 
sewed  above  the  left  elbow  on  their  tunic  or 
blouse.  They  carry  a  canvas  first-aid  pouch  and 
medicine  bag  slung  around  their  shoulders  by 
means  of  a  leather  or  canvas  strap.  Two  men  are 
detailed  to  a  stretcher. 

When  a  man  is  hit  "out  in  front,"  the  stretcher- 
bearers  go  out  after  him,  and  they  arc  liable  to 


292  First  Call 

be  killed  or  wounded  in  doing  so.  They  reach 
him,  open  up  their  stretcher,  place  it  beside  him, 
and  gently  lift  him  upon  it;  sometimes  they 
apply  a  tourniquet,  or  bandage  his  wounds  under 
a  hot  fire,  risking  their  lives  in  so  doing. 

Oftentimes  they  go  out  without  a  stretcher,  and 
the  wounded  men  are  carried  in  on  their  shoul- 
ders or  backs.  In  a  charge  the  stretcher-bearers 
go  "over  the  top"  in  the  rear  of  the  advancing 
waves  and  bring  in  the  wounded  as  they  fall. 

When  a  man  is  hit  in  the  fire  trench  the  call  for 
stretcher-bearers  is  sounded.  In  a  few  minutes 
they  arrive.  If  the  wounds  are  serious  one  of 
the  stretcher-bearers  usually  places  a  couple  of 
morphine  tablets  under  the  tongue  of  the  wounded 
man.  After  administering  first  aid,  they  place 
him  on  the  stretcher  and  carry  him  to  the  entrance 
of  the  nearest  communication  trench  leading  to 
the  rear,  or  to  an  advanced  first-aid  dugout  or 
dressing  station.  It  is  hard  work  carrying 
wounded  on  a  stretcher  through  a  communication 
trench, — there  are  so  many  sharp  turns  and  the 
communication  trench  is  only  about  three  feet 
wide.  Oftentimes  to  navigate  a  sharp  turn  the 
stretcher  must  be  lifted  out  of  the  trench  and 
carried  "over  the  top"  and  then  lowered  into  the 


The  Wounded  293 

trench  again.  In  the  daytime  this  is  dangerous 
work  because  there  is  always  some  German 
sniper  waiting  for  just  such  an  opportunity  to 
display  his  shooting  skill  and  to  demonstrate  that 
he  was  brought  up  on  the  bottle  of  German  Kul- 
tur.  In  most  places  along  the  line  these  turns  can 
be  passed  without  lifting  a  stretcher  out  of  th-e 
trench.  This  important  factor  was  considered 
when  the  trench  was  dug,  but  in  hurried  entrench- 
ments such  is  not  the  case,  and  the  w^ounded  and 
stretcher-bearers  suffer  accordingly. 

When  the  advanced  dressing  station  is  reached, 
the  wounded  soldier  is  turned  over  to  a  surgeon 
and  his  assistants  of  the  medical  corps.  The 
stretcher-bearers  then  return  to  their  post  in  the 
trench  to  wait  for  another  casualty. 

The  surgeon  dresses  the  soldier's  wounds, 
makes  a  record  of  his  rank,  name,  number,  com- 
pany, regiment,  date  of  wounding,  and  nature  of 
wounds.  "G.  S.  W."  on  the  record  means  gun 
shot  wound;  "vS.  W,"  shell  wound;  "I.  W.," 
incised  wound,  bayonet,  etc.;  "S.  I.,"  one  self- 
inflicted. 

Then  comes  another  stretcher  ride,  if  the  sta- 
tion or  dugout  is  in  a  front  line  or  communica- 
tion trench,  until  the  dressing  station  behind  the 


294  First  Call 

trenches  is  reached.  This  dressing  station  is 
usually  a  large  deep  elephant  dugout,  made  in  the 
rear  of  a  house  in  the  village. 

Here  the  "casualties,  "  after  again  being  dressed, 
are  put  into  motor  ambulances  and  transported 
to  the  field  hospital  which  is  generally  located 
five  miles  or  farther  behind  the  lines.  At  this 
place  the  wounds  are  cleaned  and  dressed,  or 
perhaps  the  man  is  operated  on,  or  a  limb  is  ampu- 
tated. Then  another  ambulance  ride  to  an  am- 
bulance train.  Here  the  wounded  meet  their  first 
Red  Cross  nurses.  A  four  or  five  hours'  ride  on 
this  train  follows,  then  more  ambulances  until 
the  base  hospital  or  casualty  clearing  station  is 
reached. 

If  the  man  is  marked  "Base  Hospital,"  indicat- 
ing that  his  wounds  are  too  serious  to  transport 
him  farther,  he  remains  there  until  he  is  strong 
enough  to  travel.  If  marked  "England"  the 
casualty  has  a  night's  rest  in  a  hospital  bed. 
Next  day,  ambulances  again,  until  a  Channel 
port  is  reached.  Then  he  is  carried  aboard  a 
hospital  ship  and  crosses  the  Channel. 

Arriving  at  Southampton,  there  is  another  short 
ambulance  ride  to  the  railroad  station,  at  which 
point  he  is  put  into  an  English  ambulance  train. 


The  Wounded 


295 


L. 


4^'  '-^ 


N 


296  First  Call 

The  "casualty"  takes  a  four  or  five  hours'  ride  on 
the  train— more  ambulances  again  until  he  reaches 
at  last  the  permanent  hospital. 

He  stays  there  until  he  is  convalescent  and  is 
then  sent  to  a  convalescent  home  for  a  period  of 
six  weeks.  Upon  being  discharged  as  cured,  he  is 
granted  from  seven  to  ten  days'  leave,  with  orders 
to  report  at  the  termination  of  his  leave  to  the 
training  station  of  his  unit.  At  the  training  sta- 
tion he  is  put  into  a  convalescent  class  and  is 
gradually  promoted  from  one  class  to  another, 
until  he  has  fully  recovered  his  strength.  Then  he 
undergoes  a  physical  examination  and  is  marked 
"Fit"  or  "Duty,"  and  he  performs  the  duties  of 
an  able  soldier  until  his  name  is  picked  for  a  draft 
going  to  France,  and  it  is  not  long  before  he  is 
again  in  the  fire  trench.  The  average  length  of 
time  required  to  return  a  wounded  man  to  France 
is  from  five  to  seven  months. 

Sammy,    after    you    have    actually 
.    e°  been  in  the  thick  of  it,   especially  if 

to  Sammy  '        ^  •' 

you  are  wounded  or  sick,  you  are  going 
to  meet  a  certain  class  of  people  that  perhaps  you 
have  never  met  before.  I  am  speaking  of  the 
doctors.  Red  Cross  nurses,  women  volunteers, 
chaplains,  and  Y.  M.  C.  A.  workers. 


The  Wounded  297 

You  will  love  them,  you  can't  help  doing  so. 
They  are  noble  men  and  women,  sacrificing  all  for 
your  comfort  and  welfare. 

And  people  wonder  how  soldiers  can  be  so  cheer- 
ful. The  great  mystery  is  how  any  soldier  can 
be  grouchy  after  coming  in  touch  with  these  heroes 
and  heroines. 

I  will  leave  it  to  you  to  decide. 

Right  here,  I  can't  resist  answering     ^,    q.  . 
a  question,  often  asked  me  in  my  lee-     who  Wants 
tiu"es  in  the  various  parts  of  the  coun-     -^ 
try:  "Do  you  think  I  am  fitted  to  be 
a  Red  Cross  Nurse?" 

The  most  romantic  appeal  to  any  girl  is  that 
of  the  Red  Cross.  The  picture  is  touching — the 
white  uniform  bending  over  a  bleeding  soldier 
on  the  field  of  battle,  impervious  to  fear  and 
danger,  soothing  his  brow  as  he  whispers  his  last 
farewell  message.  But  that  is  not  the  whole 
picture. 

The  right  to  wear  this  uniform  is  the  greatest 
honor  to  which  a  woman  can  aspire  in  this  war. 
It  is  as  glorious  as  the  uniform  of  the  soldier.  He 
sacrifices  himself  for  his  countr}%  she  sacrifices 
herself  for  the  soldier. 

But  this  means  work  and  study,  not  merely  the 


298  First  Call 

signing  of  an  application  and  attending  a  meeting 

or  two  and  then  donning  the  uniform. 

Your  work  at  first  is  not  binding  up 
Hard  Work  ^     ^ 

bleeding  soldiers,  nor  smoothing  their 
brows,  nor  writing  their  letters  home,  nor  will  it 
surely  terminate  in  a  romantic  marriage.  It  is 
scrubbing  and  making  beds,  washing  dirty  linen 
and  greasy  dishes,  cleaning  up  wards,  and  other 
very  dirty  work.  Later  on  you  will  be  graduated 
to  the  position  where  you  cg,n  take  temperatures 
and  assist  the  registered  nurse  and  doctor  in 
dressing  wounds.  You  are  allowed  to  hand  them 
bandages,  cotton,  swabs,  and  to  clean  up  the  mess 
when  the  work  is  finished.  Then  you  gradually 
advance  until  you  are  allowed  to .  remove  the 
bandages  of  superficial  wounds.  Another  step, 
and  you  are  allowed  to  bandage  the  wounds,  and 
so  on  through  the  routine  until  you  are  entrusted 
with  a  ward  of  your  own. 

Smile,  Smile,      During  all  this  hard  work  and  study 
Smile  yQ^^  must  never  complain.     There  must 

always  be  a  smile  on  your  face,  and  remember 
your  pay  is  not  large. 

If  your  wishbone  is  where  your  backbone 
should  be,  and  you  have  not  the  patriotism,  the 
strength    of    character,    and    the   willingness    to 


The  Wounded  299 

sacrifice  everything  in  this  cause,  I  say,  "Stay 
home."  But  if  you  are  a  true  American  and 
really  want  to  serve  your  country  and  the  fight- 
ing men  of  your  country,  go  into  this  with  both 
feet.  When  you  at  last  can  wear  the  Red  Cross 
uniform  you  will  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
that  the  soldier  on  the  fighting  front  loves  and 
adores  you  and  looks  up  to  you  as  his  angel  of 
mercy. 

Girls,  this  goal  is  worth  attaining.  Go  after  it, 
and  when  the  war  is  over,  come  marching  home 
beside  Sammy,  with  a  feeling  of  exultation  that 
you  and  he  have  won  this  war  and  forever  estab- 
lished Justice,  Democracy,  and  Liberty  for  the 
futiire  generations  to  come.  _ 


CHAPTER  XXXII 

"gone  west" 

A  LL  along  the  Western  Front  stand  little 
■^^  wooden  crosses,  marking  the  resting-places 
of  those  who  have  "gone  West." 

The  fallen  soldier  receives  every  honor  possible 
under  the  conditions.  Perhaps  you  who  have 
loved  ones  at  the  Front  may  like  to  know  some- 
thing of  the  respect  paid  to  the  boys  who  fall 
"out  there." 

If  a  soldier  is  killed  in  the  front  line  trench,  it  is 

a  simple  matter  to  handle  the  remains.     As  soon 

as  he  is  hit  the  call    "Stretcher-bearers  on  the 

double"  is  passed  down  the  trench.     When  the 

stretcher-bearers    arrive    (it    is    generally    within 

five  minutes)  and  they  find  that  the  man  is  dead, 

two  of  them  carry  the  body  on  a  stretcher  to  the 

rear,  if  things  are  quiet  in  the  trench.     The  dead 

soldier  is  usually  covered  with  a  waterproof  sheet, 

or  poncho;  if  this  is  not  obtainable  the  face  is 

300 


••Gone  West**  301 

covered  with  an  empty  sandbag.  As  the  stretcher- 
bearers  wind  their  way  down  the  communication 
trenches,  they  run  the  gauntlet  of  many  inquiries, 
such  as:  "Who  is  it,  mate?"  "Gone  West?" 
' '  What  battaHon  ? ' '  The  stretcher-bearers  always 
answer  these  questions.  Their  replies  generally 
are  short  and  to  the  point:  "Jones,  A  Company"; 
"Rifle;  through  the  napper";  "7th  Middlesex." 

In  the  wake  of  the  stretcher  can  be  heard  the 
following  expressions  of  sympathy:  "Poor  old 
Jonesy,  gone  West";  "Too  bad,  three  kids  too"; 
"Why  it  was  only  yesterday  he  stopped  and  I 
gave  him  a  bit  of  tobacco  for  his  pipe,"  etc. 

After  emerging  from  the  communication  trench, 
the  stretcher  is  placed  on  a  small  two-wheeled 
truck,  which  is  used  for  the  dead  or  wounded. 
The  wheels  are  about  three  feet  high  with  pneu- 
matic tires  and  wire  spokes,  resembling  those  of 
a  bicycle.  The  truck,  or  "perambulator"  as  it  is 
nicknamed,  is  equipped  with  springs  so  that  the 
wounded  man  can  be  wheeled  over  a  very  rough 
road  with  little  jolting. 

When  the  body  arrives  at  an  advanced  first-aid 
post  or  dressing  station,  a  thorough  examination, 
or  "death  test,"  is  given  by  the  medical  officer. 
The  identification  disc  is  removed  and  a  careful 


302  First  Call 

record  for  the  casualty  lists  is  made.  The  body 
is  then  placed  in  the  "morgue,"  which  is  generally 
a  little  shed  in  rear  of  the  dressing  station. 

The  commanding  officer  of  the  dead  man's  unit 
is  officially  notified.  Upon  receiving  this  notifica- 
tion, the  officer  sends  the  man's  platoon  officer 
and  a  "non-com"  to  the  dressing  station  to  iden- 
tify the  man,  so  as  to  check  the  official  record 
of  his  death. 

In  the  presence  of  an  officer,  where  it  is  possible, 
a  non-commissioned  officer  of  the  medical  corps 
searches  the  clothing  of  the  deceased  and  all  of  the 
effects  found  are  placed  in  a  little  packet.  This 
packet  is  sealed  and  the  man's  rank,  name,  num- 
ber, company,  battalion,  brigade,  division,  and 
religion  are  written  on  it,  also  his  home  address, 
and  the  address  of  his  next  of  kin.  The  last 
information  is  taken  from  the  man's  paybook, 
which  never  leaves  his  person. 

In  the  company  all  of  the  soldier's 

His  Effects  ^      ^ 

personal  belongings  are  carefully  col- 
lected by  a  "non-com,"  in  the  presence  of  an 
officer,  and  are  put  into  an  empty  sand  bag.  On 
this  bag  a  tag  is  fastened  with  the  same  'informa- 
tion as  that  on  the  packet  in  the  dressing  sta- 
tion.    The  bag  is  then  sent  to  the  dressing  station, 


•*GoneWest**  303 

where  the  sergeant  major  takes  charge  of  it,  and, 
with  the  packet,  it  is  turned  over  to  the  depart- 
ment which  takes  care  of  dead  men's  effects. 
These  effects  sometimes  reach  the  relatives  of  the 
deceased  months  later.  Behind  the  lines  are  huge 
sheds  for  storing  these  belongings,  and  perhaps 
after  the  war  a  large  percentage  will  reach  their 
destinations. 

The  remains  are  often  carefully  sewed  in  a 
blanket.  The  cost  of  this  blanket  is  noted  in  the 
paybook  of  the  deceased  and  is  deducted  from 
the  pay  due  him. 

Behind  the  lines  (anywhere  from  three  hundred 
to  nine  hundred  yards  from  the  fire  trench)  is  the 
cemetery.  Men  in  charge  of  the  chaplains  are 
detailed  to  lay  out,  dig,  and  care  for  the  graves. 
The  cemetery  is  also  under  the  direct  supervision 
of  a  high  ranking  medical  officer,  generally  the 
sanitary  officer.  It  is  laid  out  in  streets  and  each 
street  is  spaced  into  graves  or  plots.  Starting 
on  the  left,  each  space  allotted  for  a  grave  has 
a  little  numbered  stake  driven  into  the  ground. 
At  the  head  of  each  street  is  a  wooden  sign  post 
with  the  name  of  the  battalion  and  brigade  writ- 
ten on  it. 

Troops,    especially   if   they   arc  "rookies,"  are 


304  First  Call 

badly  shocked  when  they  take  over  a  new  section 
of  the  Hne,  and  see  a  sign  in  the  cemetery  with 
their  own  regiment  and  brigade  inscribed  on  it. 
From  this  sign  their  eyes  travel  down  a  long  row  of 
little  stakes  numbered  i,  2,  3,  4,  5,  etc.  Instinc- 
tively they  wonder  who  is  going  to  occupy  No.  i 
grave.     Perhaps  next  day  they  will  know, 

„    .  ,  A  chaplain  of  the  creed  of  the  de- 

Bunal 

ceased  is  officially  notified  of  the  death, 
even  though  he  is  standing  beside  the  corpse  at 
the  time.  He  then  takes  charge  of  the  funeral. 
If  they  can  be  spared,  the  men  of  the  section  to 
which  the  man  belonged,  attend  the  funeral. 
Four  chums  of  the  deceased  generally  act  as  pall- 
bearers. Across  the  stretcher  are  laid  two  heavy 
ropes  with  which  to  lower  the  remains  into  the 
grave.  The  corpse  is  then  placed  on  the  stretcher 
and  covered  with  a  flag.  The  chaplain  leads,  then 
come  the  pall-bearers  with  their  flag-covered 
burden,  followed  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
section  or  platoon — and  so  the  procession  starts 
on  its  way  to  the  cemetery. 

As  it  passes  through  the  streets  of  the  shell  de- 
stroyed village,  troops  come  to  "Attention"  and 
salute.  It  has  been  a  much  discussed  question 
as  to  whether  the  troops  are  saluting  the  flag  on 


Gone  West** 


305 


the  stretcher  or  the  remains  beneath  the  colors. 
Out  of  respect  for  the  dead,  we  will  say  that  the 
remains  are  being  saluted.  The  flag  receives  many 
salutes  but  the  form  on  the  stretcher,  if  it  be  that 
of  an  enlisted  man,  is  receiving  his  first  and  only 
salute  in  France.  He  has  not  done  much  to  merit 
a  salute — he  has  only  given  his  life,  his  all,  for 
his  country. 

When  the  procession  arrives  at  the  cemetery, 
it  halts  before  an  open  grave.  Standing  near 
this  opening  in  the  ground,  are  two  soldiers  in 
their  shirt  sleeves,  the  sweat  pouring  from  them, 
with  shovels  in  their  hands. 

The  chaplain  reads  the  burial  service.  The 
flag  is  removed  from  the  body, — not  buried  with 
it,  as  many  people  think.  Perhaps  that  flag  has 
covered  hundreds  of  bodies.  It  is  spotted  all 
over  with  little  telltale  blood  marks. 

The  grave  diggers,  assisted  by  some  of  the  men, 
lower  the  body  into  the  grave  by  means  of  the 
ropes  and  the  earth  is  thrown  in.  The  chaplain 
remains  until  the  grave  is  filled  in,  and  the  little 
mound  of  earth  is  patted  and  shaped  by  the  grave 
diggers.  He  has  brought  with  him  a  hermetically 
sealed  bottle  with  a  little  slip  of  paper  inside, 
upon  which  is  written  in  ink  or  indelible  pencil, 


3o6  First  Call 

the  rank,  name,  number,  company,  battalion, 
division,  and  religion  of  the  deceased  and  the  date 
of  his  death.  He  carefully  places  this  bottle  in  the 
soft  earth  at  the  head  of  the  mound.  Next  day,  a 
little  cross  made  of  pinewood,  about  thirty  inches 
high,  is  placed  at  the  head  of  the  grave.  Inscribed 
on  it  in  black  paint  is  the  following  information: 
"Private  A.  B.  Jones,  No.  16794,  Company  A, 
7th  Middlesex,  167th  Brigade.  Killed  in  action, 
November  30,  191 7.  R.  I.  P.  [Requiescat  in 
Pace — Rest  in  Peace]." 

Perhaps  in  time  the  elements  will  destroy  this 
cross  or  efface  the  inscription,  but  the  bottle  with 
its  slip  of  paper  remains. 

Shortly  after  the  funeral,  in  their  few  spare 
moments,  the  men  of  the  section  or  platoon  to 
which  the  deceased  belonged,  decorate  the  grave 
with  white  stones.  They  sod  it  over  and  then 
their  Mate  "rests  in  peace,"  undisturbed  by  the 
bursting  shells  or  the  "cracking"  of  "strays" 
above  him. 

But  this  careful  attention  cannot  be  given  the 
individual  soldier  who  falls  during  or  immediately 
after  an  attack, — there  are  too  many  to  be  buried 
and  for  sanitary  reasons  the  bodies  must  be  dis- 
posed of  as  quickly  as  possible. 


•'Gone  West**  307 

At  such  a  time  the  dead  are  buried  by  men 
detailed  for  that  purpose.  They  are  called 
"Burying  Parties"  or  "Digging  Parties."  This 
work  is  done  at  night,  for  the  Germans  are  no 
respecters  of  funerals, — in  fact,  if  they  think  a 
burial  party  is  at  work,  they  seem  to  take  delight 
in  shelling  or  directing  their  machine-gun  fire  into 
No  Man's  Land.  Many  a  soldier  has  been  killed 
or  wounded  from  German  fire  while  standing  be- 
side the  open  grave  of  a  comrade. 

The  burying  party  goes  out  in  front  in  charge 
of  a  couple  of  officers.  It  is  composed  of  company 
men  and  others  detailed  from  the  medical  corps. 
The  party  numbers  from  twenty  to  one  hundred 
and  fifty,  according  to  the  amount  of  work  on 
hand. 

When  a  body  is  found,  the  identification  disc  is 
removed  and  carefully  preserved  for  record  in  the 
casualty  lists  and  notification  of  next  of  kin. 
Friend  and  foe  are  treated  alike.  One  squad 
collects  the  bodies  while  another  digs  a  deep  grave 
or  trench.  The  bodies  are  placed  in  this  hole; 
at  times,  thirty  to  forty  bodies  have  been  buried 
in  the  same  grave.  Quicklime  is  plentifully 
sprinkled  over  the  bodies  and  then  the  hole  is 
filled  in. 


3o8  First  Call 

Later  on,  if  possible,  a  large  wooden  tablet  is 
erected,  giving  the  ranks,  names,  numbers,  etc.,  of 
the  men  buried  at  that  spot. 

Except  in  the  case  of  a  very  high-ranking  officer 
or  commanding  general,  bodies  are  never  sent 
home. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII 

"thank  god!    the  stretcher-bearers" 

\  lymAT  is  the  Red  Cross?  What  does  it  do? 
'  '  Why  should  /  contribute  my  hard-earned 
money?  Thousands  of  people  throughout  the 
United  States  are  asking  themselves  these  ques- 
tions and  are  receiving  no  answers,  and  their 
much-needed  dollar  goes  for  something  else  and 
the  Red  Cross  suffers,  is  suffering. 

To  many,  who  do  not  take  the  time  or  trouble 
to  investigate,  the  Red  Cross  means  a  little  sign 
in  a  shop  window,  a  white  placard,  with  a  red 
cross  in  the  center,  the  words  "Join  the  Red  Cross," 
written  at  the  top,  while  at  the  bottom  appears 
the  reminder  "Do  it  now."  They  read  this  last 
admonition  and  forget  it  or  plan  to  do  it  some 
other  time. 

To  answer  these  questions  we  will  ask  the  one 
who  knows, — the  fighting  man,  the  man  in  the 
trenches,   the  man   who  is  right   now,   this  very 

3"y 


3IO  First  Call 

night,  lying  bleeding  in  the  darkness  of  No  Man's 
Land  and  straining  his  eyes  into  the  blackness, 
eagerly  looking  for  the  stretcher-bearers  and  that 
little  Red  Cross. 

The  deck  of  incidents  is  well  shuffled;  at  ran- 
dom we  will  pick  a  card.  Turn  it  face  up, — it  is 
red,  blood  red,  the  color  of  the  Red  Cross.  We 
read  its  story:  it  is  also  blood  red. 

Of  course,  the  story  I  relate  is  not  true.  It 
never  happened.  Ridiculous !  Absurd !  But  let 
me  impress  upon  you  that  it  has  happened  thou- 
sands oj  times  on  the  Western  Front.  It  is  happen- 
ing right  now  and  will  repeat  itself  many  times 
before  this  war  is  over. 

This  soldier  has  entered  the  Great  Fight.  He  is 
a  scoffer.  To  him  there  is  no  God,  no  Hereafter; 
when  he  is  killed  he  is  dead,  it's  all  over,  he  doesn't 
give  a  damn.  Anyway,  he's  not  going  to  be  killed, 
he's  coming  through  all  right.  He's  been  out  since 
Mons,  gone  through  attack  after  attack;  never 
got  a  scratch,  while  nearly  all  of  his  mates,  espe- 
cially the  "churchy"  ones,  have  "gone  West." 
They  are  lying  "somewhere  in  France,"  "pushing 
up  the  daisies,"  while  he  is  here,  alive,  eating  bully 
beef,  smoking  a  fag,  and  "sweating  on  leave," 
— he  starts    for    Blighty  next   Saturday, — 'cause 


"Thank  God!     The  Stretcher-Bearers**  311 

there  it  is  in  orders,  written  on  the  Brigade  type- 
writer. If  there  is  a  God,  He's  a  pretty  poor  mate 
because  He  never  saved  the  ones  who  beheved  in 
Him.  They  are  in  the  ground,  the  worms  are 
eating  them.  Let  them  pray  what  wants  to.  But 
he, — not  likely! 

"What's  that?  Bombing  raid  to-night, — all 
bombers  report  at  once?  Why  in  hell  wasn't  I 
a  machine  gunner?  Rotten  luck,  that  going  on  a 
trench  raid  when  your  name's  posted  in  orders 
for  leave.  Offer  up  a  prayer  for  my  safe  return? 
Just  like  Jones,  always  buttin'  in  with  his  soft  soap 
religion  stuff.  Well,  to  my  thinking,  a  'tin  hat' 
is  more  protection  on  a  trench  raid  than  a  whim- 
pering prayer. 

"So  long,  boys,  we'll  be  over  the  top  in  ten 
minutes." 

(The  trench  raiders  are  now  crawling  back  across 
No  Man's  Land  to  their  own  trenches.) 

"Well,  we  busted  up  Fritz's  tea  party  all  right. 
Hot  work  while  it  lasted.  I  know  my  bomb  got 
three  out  of  that  last  bunch  in  the  corner  of  the 
firebay — and  a  good  job  too! 

"Ha!  a  star  shell;  there  goes  another,  and  an- 
other. Now  for  the  music!  {Crack!)  Damned 
close,  that  one, — dirt  got  me  in  the  face.     {Pup- 


312  First  Call 

pup-pup!)  I'm  thinking  we'll  be  lucky  to  get 
back  to  our  trench  safely  through  this  mess. 

"I  say,  Pete,  are  you  there?  Pete — Pete!  why 
in  hell  don't  you  answer?  Cricky!  it's  black; 
wonder  where  Pete  got  to? 

"  'Arry  is  that  you?  Down  flat,  don't  move, 
— here  comes  a  star  shell.  Keep  your  napper 
down  till  she  burns  out,  you  bloody  fool.  {Crack! 
Crack!) 

"Oh!     God!" 

"Are  you  'it,  'Arry?  Answer,  'Arry,  where'd  it 
get  you?  {Crack!)  'Arry,  answer  me,  mate. 
Down.  Here  comes  a  star  shell;  it's  one  of  ours, 
— no  it  ain't  either.  I'm  lost,  I've  been  crawling 
toward  the  German  lines.  I'm  a  shaking  all  over 
— my  nerve's  going,     I'm  sick,  I'm  going  to  faint." 

{Crack!     Pup-pup — Crack!) 

"They've  spotted  me.  I'll  make  a  run  for  it. 
More  star  shells,  four  of  'em, — to  hell  with  'em, 
I'll  chance  it  running.     {Crack!) 

"Oh — oh — oh.  My  leg's  smashed — I'm  bleed- 
ing,— damn  'em;  they  won't  get  me,  not  while  I 
can  crawl.  {Crack!  Crack!)  Shoot,  damn  you, 
shoot ! 

"A  shell  hole  at  last!  None  too  soon  either. 
Oh,  my  leg!     Knee's  shattered  I  bet, — means  a 


"Thank  God!     The  Stretcher-Bearers'*  313 

crutch  in  Blighty  for  me.  A  few  seconds  more 
an'  I'll  be  safe  from  Fritz's  strafeing. 

"  What !  more  star  shells !  Damn  them!  Shrap- 
nel, too, — I'm  in  a  pretty  mess  out  here,  I  am. 
A  few  inches  more  an'  I'll  be  in  the  shell  hole  an' 
out  of  danger.  What's  dragging  on  my  leg? 
Another  star  shell, — parachute  too;  if  they  see 
me,  my  bacon's  cooked.  Curse  that  leg,  I  can't 
move  it. 

{Crack!     Crack!) 

"Oh!  God,  my  shoulder.  Oh — oh — oh,  I'm  dy- 
ing— I'm  wet  with  blood — {Crack!)  Oh — oh — 
oh— it's— oh— oh " 

(Becomes  unconscious.  Later,  he  regains  con- 
sciousness.) 

"Where  am  I? — it's  dark — my  leg,  I'm  wet, — 
it's  sticky — it's  blood,  I'm  hit — {Crack!)  Snipe, 
you  blighters.  It's  your  turn — I've  had  mine. 
I'm  bleeding  to  death — Oh,  Mother!  Mother! 
Mother!  {Crack!)  I'm  dying  out  here  alone. 
I'm  going  crazy — I  won't,  /  wont  die, — oh  my 
ribs  are  crushed " 

And  then,  his  first  prayer: 

' '  Stretcher-bearers — stretcher-bearers !  Where 
are  you?  Come  and  get  me — Oh!  God — God — 
(if    there    is    one) — send    mc    stretcher-bearers. 


314  First  Call 

{Pup-pup-pup) .  Oh !  God — stretcher-bearers !  Oh ! 
God— God— God " 

(In  the  trench,  crouched  on  the  fire  step,  covered 
with  mud,  are  two  stretcher-bearers.) 

{Crack!    Pup-pup-pup!     Crack!) 

"Blime  me,  Fritz  is  sure  kicking  up  a  row  out 
in  front.  Hug  her  close,  here  comes  a  shrapnel. 
{Whiz-z-z!  Bang!)  Our  raiding  party  is  sure  click- 
ing it;  they  ought  to  have  been  back  long  before 
this.  There'll  be  a  lot  go  West  this  night — 
keep  your  head  down,  you  can't  see  nothing  that 
way.  {Crack!  Zing!)  Gimme  your  handker- 
chief, me  eyes  are  full  o'  dirt.  Did  you  hear  that? 
What  is  it?  Sounds  like  someone  moaning.  Hell, 
it's  one  o'  our  boys — he's  out  in  front,  he's  hit. 
Ask  the  sentry  if  he  heard  it." 

(Very  faintly  from  out  of  the  blackness  in  front.) 
"  Stretcher-bearers — Oh — God — God ! " 

{Crack!) 

"Come  on.  Bill,  it's  over  the  top  an'  out  in 
front  to  bring  in  the  poor  beggar." 

{Crack!) 

"  'Sure  death'  you  say;  what  in  hell  are  you 
wearin'  that  red  cross  on  your  arm  for,  if  you're 
afraid  of  going  West  ?" 

{Pup-pup-pup.) 


••Thank  God!     The  Stretcher-Bearers 


OiO 


"I  ain't  afraid,  never  quit  yet,  did  I?  Pass  up 
the  stretcher  and  don't  waste  so  much  time  with 
that  chin  music,  p'ra'ps  the  poor  cuss  is  dyin'." 

'"Ere  you  are,  get  a  'old  on  the  end,  and  run 
low.     Damn  that  barbed  wire ! " 

{Crack!) 

"Down  on  the  ground — 'ere  comes  a  star  shell. 
Now  up  an'  a  run  for  it." 

"Hear  him?  That  moanin'  sound?  To  the 
right  a  little  more.  {Crack!)  Right  I  say. 
Steady — a  star  shell— — 

"  There  he  is  Bill — don't  move  in  this  light — that 
black  heap  on  the  edge  of  the  shell  hole  on  your 
right.  When  she  bums  out  we'll  run  for  him — 
Now!  work  quick!" 

"God,  he's  dead " 

But  that  black  heap  at  the  edge  of  khe  shell- 
hole  speaks! 

"Thank  God!  the  stretcher-bearers." 

"No  he  ain't,  he's  alive,  Bill, — gently,  his  leg's 
broke — easy  now— on  he  goes —  Down  flat,  here's 
another  light." 

{Crack!     Crack-crack-crack.) 

"Down  low;  they  see  us — {Zing!) — when  it's 
dark,  back  wc  go  and  trust  to  luck.  Get  ready 
— now!     Gee,  this  bloke's  heavy." 


3i6  First  Call 

"We're  near  our  wire!  Watch  out  for  the 
sentry " 

From  the  darkness  comes  the  challenge: — 

' '  Halt !     Who  comes  there  ? ' ' 

"Stretcher-bearers — you  blinking  idiot — do  you 
want  to  let  every  Fritz  in  France  know  it?" 

{Crack!) 

"What'd  I  tell  you?  See  what  you've  done, 
they  hear  us. 

"Mind  that  stretcher,  Bill,  you're  dumping 
the  bloke  into  the  wire." 

"Just  a  minute  till  I  get  this  stretcher  strap 
around  my  neck, — that  last  one  got  me  in  the 
arm." 

"Hit  hard?" 

"Naw,  but  I  reckon  it's  good  for  Blighty." 

"Gee,  you  always  was  lucky.  Bill.  Here's  the 
dressing  station, — careful  with  him  down  those 
steps — they're  slippery.  You  do  the  talkin'.  Bill, 
while  they  bind  up  your  wing." 

"Yes,  sir,  found  him  in  a  shell  hole  out 
in  front  —  must  be  one  of  the  raiding  party. 
My  arm  bleedin'?  So  it  is;  that's  funny, 
I  didn't  know  it;  must  a'  been  a  stray  that 
got  me. 

"How  did  we  get  him?     Just  by  luck,  sir,  we 


**Thank  God!     The  Stretcher-Bearers*'  317 

was  a  roamin'  around  out  in  front  and  sort  o' 
stumbled  over  him. 

"What  were  we  doing  out  in  front?  Well  you 
see,  sir, — you  see — we  just  went  out  after  him — 
nothin'  to  it  at  all, — sir.     Think  he'll  live,  sir? 

"That's  good,  sir.  I'm  glad  to  hear  that,  'cause 
he  must  'a  had  a  tough  time  out  there  all  alone 
an'  hit  in  three  places.  A  little  easy  with  that 
splint,  Sergeant,  it  hurts  some.     Thanks. 

"So  long,  Jim,  old  chum,  I'll  write  to  you  from 
Blighty." 

"Good-bye,  Bill,  you  lucky  bloke!" 

Just  Bill  and  Jim,  a  little  red  cross  on  their 
arms,  the  same  kind  of  a  cross  you  see  in  the  shop 
windows;  they  get  a  shilling  a  day — twenty-four 
cents — a  cent  an  hour  for  risking  their  lives  under 
fire. 

They  are  willing  to  risk  their  lives  and  go  out 
in  No  Man's  Land  to  save  a  wounded  and  bleed- 
ing soldier,  while  right  here  in  the  United  States 
there  are  thousands  of  people  who  will  not  risk 
a  dollar  to  help  Bill  and  Jim  and  the  Red  Cross. 

If,  when  contributing,  you  will  realize  that  each 
bandage  you  buy  binds  up  a  poor  wounded  and 
bleeding    soldier,    I    know    you    will    dig    deeper. 


3i8  First  Call 

If  you  are  a  true  American  you  will  join  the  Red 
Cross,  support  it,  and  work  for  it.  If  your  sym- 
pathies are  elsewhere,  the  American  Red  Cross 
does  not  want  your  help. 

Remember,  Americans  and  our  Allies,  that  the 
Red  Cross  needs  and  appreciates  the  widow's 
mite  as  well  as  the  millionaire's  might. 


IN  CLOSING 

"THIRST  CALL"  may  seem  a  Hungarian  gou- 
lash of  information  but  the  reader  would 
perhaps  be  tolerant  if  he  would  realize  that  most 
of  it  was  written  while  trekking  back  and  forth 
over  this  country,  lecturing  after  my  return  from 
France. 

The  information  given  is  not  unusual.  I  am 
able  to  give  it  simply  because  I  happened  to  be 
one  of  the  first  Americans  on  the  ground.  Any 
ordinary  Yankee  boy  who  keeps  each  of  his  senses 
sharp  could  do  the  same. 

But  the  book  comes  sincerely  from  my  heart 
and  I  will  be  happy  if  it  helps  one  recruit  over 
the  rough  road  to  Berlin. 

One  thing  more  before  I  drop  this  fountain-pen. 

A  friend  the  other  day  made  a  remark  that  was 
very  helpful  to  me  and  may  be  helpful  to  you. 
He  is  a  shade  under  forty,  healthy  and  vigorous, 
but  he  has  a  large  family  and  many  responsibilities 
and  cannot  go — and  oh!  how  he  wants  to! 

319 


320  First  Call 

As  he  watched  a  few  of  the  men  in  the  office  say- 
ing "Good-bye,"  the  day  before  they  were  to 
leave  for  the  training  camps,  he  said:  "No  matter 
what  we  men  who  are  left  behind  may  do — those 
fellows  will  have  it  all  over  us." 

Wasn't  he  right?  Think  it  over  as  you  close 
your  desk  and  hang  up  the  old  office  coat  to 
don  the  khaki.  Men  may  become  rich  or  famous 
in  other  walks  of  life — but  no  matter  what  their 
achievements,  they  can  be  no  greater  than  yours. 
You  will  have  it  "all  over  them."  To  have 
taken  part  in  this  great  war,  on  the  side  of  Right, 
to  have  been  one  of  the  struggling  soldiers  who 
have  helped  to  bring  back  to  the  earth  Freedom 
and  all  that  makes  life  precious,  is  well  worth 
while.  The  sacrifice  may  be  great,  but  it  will  not 
have  been  in  vain. 


CAP  DE.VICE  -  US  NAVY 


CAP DCV/CE-U.S  ARMY 


CAP  DEVICE. 
MARINE  CORPS 


CAP  DEVICE 
CHICF  PETTY  OrriCCRS 


CAP  DEVICES  U.   S.  ARMY  AND   U.    S.   NAVY 


321 


ARMY  OFFICERS   SHOULDER   STRAPS 


STABLE  S£/iCT. 


CORPORAL 

ARMY    CHEVRONS 


LANCE 
CORPORAL 


INSIGNIA   U.    S.    ARMY 


322 


SIGNAL     CORPS 


OUDOE  ADVOCATE  GEN.  D£PT. 
CAP   AND   COLLAR    DEVICES    U.    S.    ARMY 


<g|  PISTOL   EXPER^^^     <g 


g#MARKSMANi^ 


MARKSMANSHIP  BADGES,  U.  S.  ARMY 


324 


^ 


LICUTENANr 


^ 


JUMfOR    LIEUTENANT 


t? 


^ 


CHAPLAIN 


CHIEF    BOATSnAII\ 


CHIEF     OUNNEK 


LIE.UT.  COMMANDER 

INSIGNIA,   U.   S.   NAVY   SHOULDER   STRAPS 


325 


1^1V1^< 


1^  1^ 


ADM  I RAL 


REAR     ADMIRAL 


^li?l^ 


VICE    ADMIRAL 


COM  M  AN  DE  R 


DO^r^  D 


LIEUTENANT 


CNSIGN 


CHIEF   MECHANIC 


LIEUT    COMMANDER 


JUNIOR    LIEUTENANT 


CHAPLAIN 


CHIEF    GUNNER 


CARPENTER-  on  sleeve 
COLLAR  DEVICES,    U.    S.   NAVY 

326 


327 


MASTER    CUNNBH 


r/RSr   CLASS 
CUNNCH 


INSIGNIA,   U.   S.   AfiMY    (WORN   ON   SLEEVE) 


328 


J L 


329 


1^ 


^ 
i^<^ 


l^^-'w' 


C£/^EftAL  GCN.OF DIVISION    OEN.OF BRIGAOC  COLOHCL.  LIEUT.  COLONCU  MAJOR 


TRENCH    CHCVRONS 


CENERAL  STAFF 
COLLAR  DEVICE 


WORN  ON  ARM  ABOVE  CUFF     ^^tlZ^eStl/"""^  "^^""^ 


iiiiiiiiimiii 


^ 


ADJUTANT        SERCTMAJOfl      SEHCCANT        CORPORAL      f/fiST  CLASS P/ilVATE 

CHEVRONS-  Worn  by  non-commissioned  officers 


^^ 

1 

... 

oO 


DRAGOONS  HUSSARS        INFANTRY      FOOT  CHASSEURS  ARTILLERY       AVIATION 

CORPS 

COLLAR    DEVICES 


& 

^ 


SPAHIS  AVIATIOR  PIONEER  BANDSMAN        TRUMPETER 

ARM   DEVICES 


INSIGNIA   AND   DEVICES,   FRENCH   ARMY 


330 


GENERAL 


LIEUT.  GEN.  MAJOR    GEN. 

SHOULDER  STRAPS 


BRIO.  GENERAL 


SHOULDER  STRAP 

mOHN  BY  OFFICERS  OF 
THC  GUARDS.  ALSO  WOftH 
ON  ALL  OFFfCCRyoyEACOATJ 


CUFr  WORNBYOFFICE.HS 
IN  SCOTCH  RdCTS 


^TiFF'icorT  M^  I     "fC/MfA/r/lZ.  QUARTERMASTER     COLOR  '=,eRr.T 

:>TAFF:>£RCTIVIAJ.  ouARTERMAiTER  SERGEANT  I..UI.UM  i>t.HO  I. 


^^ 


^ 


SERCCANT         CORPORAL         LANCE  CORP.       ^°°g/°jyP"'^'^       SICNALMAN 

^  SLEEVE  DEVICES 


Rur.i  ra  fi  viAir.  roRD-^     oualifieo  pilot      army  strctcheh 

aUULt.H  t  LYING   (.OHHi>  FLYINCCORPS      MEOICALCORPS        BEARER 

INSIGNIA   AND   DEVICES,    BRITISH    ARMY 


BOMBER 


SCOUT 


i 


WOUNDED  STRIPES 


BATTALION  SHOT" 


MACHINE  GUNNER 
IMSIGNIA,    BRITISH   ARMY 


332 


GENERAL    OF  DIVISION 


COLONEL  LIEUT.COL. 


COLLAR\  ^_^ 

GENERAL  ofBRICADE  MAJOR  COMMANDANT 


Chevrons  worn  by 
non-  commissioned 
officers 


"^ZZZZZZ^TZ 


FIRST.LIEUT.  SECOND  LIEUT. 


FIRST 
SEflCT.MAJOR 


^ZZZZ^TZZZZ 


^ZZZZZLZZZZZl 


V.':.'::v::  •.■::■] 


CORPORAL 


AVIATOR 

Devices  worn  on 
Collar  or  Arm 


INTERPRETER 


INSIGNIA   AND   DEVICES,    BELGIAN    ARMY 

333 


LieUT  GENERAL  LIEiUT.COLONEL  UdUTEtJANT 

MAJOR  GENCRAL  MA  JOR  UNDER.  LIEUT. 

SHOULDER    STRAPS 


Pioneer         trumpeter 


STAFF  SERGEANT     CORPORAL, 

SERGEANT  \^  sharpshooter 

SLEEVE   DEM \CZS- ENLISTED  MEN  Arm  DEVICES 

INSIGNIA  AND  DEVICES,    ITALIAN   ARMY 


334 


i^ 

@ 

o 

^ 

u 
K 

^ 

I 

"■  ^v 

3  M 

M] 

m 

0- 

^^n 

Ul 

^of !  1 

^ 

^^r*^ 

kl 

iJi^ 

u 

^nti 

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V 

ui 

■o 

■J 

tr 

UJ 

o 

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^ 

T7^ 

o 

t 

^\ 

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^ 

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335 


CAPTAIN  FIRST  LIEUT  5E.CQND  LICUT. 

Stars  embroidered  in  gold  and  silver 


STAFF  SEROEiANT  SERGEANT  CORPORAL 

Stars  embroidered  in  cotton 


INSIGNIA,    AUSTRIAN  ARMY 


336 


COLONLL  CENERMOF      LICUT.GEIN.       MAJOR  C  'N.      COLONEL 

GENERAL  /NE.CAV.ARTr  ~  '-^'-^'^'^i- 


if^    /fW\ 


LIEUT.  COL.       MAJOR         CAPTAIN       FIRST  LIEUT  SECOND  LIEUT. 

OFFICERS' SHOULDER  KNOTS 


''•  •:i!i>!>t}}}ii}} 


STAFF  .SERGEANT     UNDER  OFFICERS    under  crricERS     TRuMPcTfH 

~onsleeve-         -shoulder  piece- 

NON'COMMISS/ONEDoR  UNDER  OFFICERS" 
COLLAR  DEVICES 

INSIGNIA,    GERMAN   ARMY 


337 


APPENDICES 


339 


SAMMY'S  "PINCH"  DICTIONARY 


A  few  French  and  German  phrases  that  will 
help  Sammy  in  a  pinch. 


ENGLISH 

Which  is  the  way  to  headquar- 
ters? 
Good-bye. 
How  many  miles? 
How  far  is  it  to  the  next  village? 
Please  give  me  a  drink  of  water. 


Will  you  sell  me  some  milk? 
Will  you  sell  me  some  eggs? 

Will  you  sell  me  some  bread? 

How  much  is  it? 

Is  this  road  safe? 

What  is  the  name  of  this  place? 

I  am  a  sentry. 

We  are  a  patrol. 

I  want  to  wash. 

All  is  well. 

Please  post  this  for  me. 


FRENCH 

Ou  est  le  quartier  general? 

Au  revoir. 

Combien  de  kilometres? 
Combien  y  a-t-il  d'ici  a  la  ville? 
Donnez-moi  a  boire,  s.  v.  p. 
("s.   v.   p."   means:    s'il    vous 

plait,  or  in  English:  Please.) 
Voulez-vous  me  vendre  du  lait? 
Voulez-vous    me    vendre    des 

ceufs? 
Voulez-vous    me    vendre     du 

pain? 
Combien    est-ce   que   je    vous 

dois? 
Cette  route  est-elle  en  bon  ctat? 
Quel  est  le  nom  de  cet  endroit? 
On  m'a  fait  sentinclle. 
Nous  allons  en  patrouille. 
II  faut  que  je  me  lave. 
C'est  bicn. 
Remettez  le  h  la  poste. 


341 


342 


First  Call 


Please    give   me    pencil    and 

paper. 
Please  give  me  an  envelope. 

Will  you  sell  or  give  me  some 
straw  to  sleep  on? 

Thanlcs  for  your  hospitality. 

Have  you  an  English  or  Ameri- 
can paper? 

I  want  some  gasoline  (or  petrol). 
I  want  some  candles. 
I  want  some  soap. 
What  town  is  this? 
What  time  is  it? 

Which  is  the  way  to ? 

1  am  in  the  American  infantry. 

I  am  in  the  American  cavalry. 

I  am  in  the  American  artillery. 
I  am  in  the  American  engineer 

corps. 
What  is  the  latest  news  from 

the  front? 
We  are  good  friends. 
I  am  glad  to  meet  you. 
Long  live  France! 
Long  live  America! 
Long  live  Belgium! 
Long  live  England! 
Long  live  Russia! 
Death  to  Germany! 
Good-morning. 

Good-evening. 


Donnez-moi  un  crayon  et  du 

papier,  s.  v.  p. 
Donnez-moi    une    enveloppe, 

s.  v.  p. 
Voulez-vous  me  vendre  ou  me 

donner  du  f  oin  ou  de  la  paille 

pour  faire  une  litiere. 
Je   vous   remercie   pour   votre 

hospitality. 
Est-ce    que   vous   vendez   des 

joumeaux  anglais  ou  am^ri- 

cains? 
II  me  faut  du  p^trole. 
II  me  faut  des  bougies. 
II  me  faut  du  savon. 
Quel  est  le  nom  de  cette  ville? 
Quelle  heure  est-il? 

Quel  est  le  chemin  a ? 

Je  suis  Am^ricain  de  I'lnfan- 

terie. 
Je  suis  Am^ricain  de  la  Caval- 

lerie. 
Je  suis  Am^ricain  de  I'Artillerie. 
Je  suis  Am^ricain  du  Corps  de 

G^nie. 
Quoi  de  neuf  du  front? 

Nous  sommes  des  bons  amis. 

Je  suis  charme  de  vous  voir. 

Vive  la  France. 

Vive  I'Am^rique. 

Vive  la  Belgique. 

Vive  I'Angleterre. 

Vive  la  Russie. 

A  bas  I'Allemagne. 

Bonjour,   Monsieur,  Madame, 

or  Mademoiselle. 
Bonsoir,    Monsieur,    Madame, 

or  Mademoiselle. 


Sammy's  **  Pinch  **  Dictionary       343 


Good-night. 
Thank  you. 

Yes,  thank  you. 

No,  thank  you. 

Look  out,  a  shell! 

Pardon  me. 

Which  is  the  way  to  the  rail- 
road station? 
Which  is  the  way  to  our  billets? 

Is    there    anyone    here     who 

speaks  English? 
Do  you  understand? 
I  understand. 
I  do  not  understand. 
Please  give  me  a  cigarette. 

Please  give  me  some  tobacco. 

Please  give  me  a  match. 

Keep  quiet! 

Halt! 

Surrender! 

Hands  up! 

Drop  your  rifles. 

Lie  down. 

Stand  up. 

No  talking. 

Follow  me. 

Go  straight  ahead,  I  will  follow. 

Follow  the  trench. 

Run. 

Faster. 

Slower. 

Pay  attention 


Bonne  nuit. 

Merci;  merci  bien,  Monsieur, 

Madame,  or  Mademoiselle. 
Oui,    Monsieur,    je    vous    re- 

mercie. 
Non,    Monsieur,   je  vous    re- 

mercie. 
Prenez  garde,  or  Faites  atten- 
tion, un  obus. 
Je  demande    pardon,   or    Oh! 

Pardon. 
Ou  est  le  chemin  pour  aller  a 

la  gare? 
Oil  est  le  chemin  pour  aller  a 

nos  logements? 
N'y  a-t-il  personne  qui  parle 

Anglais? 
Comprenez- vous  ? 
Je  comprends. 
Je  ne  comprends  pas. 
Donnez-moi      una      cigarette, 

s.  v.  p. 
Donnez-moi  du  tabac,  s.  v.  p. 
Donnez-moi  du  feu,  s.  v.  p. 
Silence ! 
Halte! 

Rendez-vous! 
Mains  hautes! 
A  bas  vos  armes. 
Couchez-vous. 
Levez-vous. 
Taisez-vous. 
Suivez-moi. 

Allez  tout  droit,  je  suivrai. 
Suivez  cette  tranch($e. 
Allez. 
Plus  vite. 
Lentement. 
Attention. 


344 


First  Call 


Forward  march, 

WaUc. 

March  single  file. 

March  by  twos. 

Who  is  your  officer? 

Who  is  your  sergeant? 

Who  is  your  corporal? 

What  is  yotir  name? 

Give  me  your  identification 
disc. 

If  you  try  to  run  away,  I  will 
shoot  you. 

Bring  that  machine  gun  with 
you. 

Are  any  of  you  wounded? 

Can  you  walk? 

Carry  that  wounded  man. 

Are  you  hungry? 

Are  you  thirsty? 

Throw  away  your  bombs. 

To  what  regiment  do  you  be- 
long? 

I  am  woimded. 

It  is  serious. 

It  is  slight. 

Where  is  the  doctor? 

Bandages. 

Stop  the  bleeding. 

The  ambulance. 

The  stretcher, 

I  am  in  great  pain, 

I  am  ill. 

I  am  hit  in  the  lungs. 

I  am  hit  in  the  stomach. 

I  am  hit  in  the  head. 

I  am  hit  in  the  arm. 

I  am  hit  in  the  leg. 

I  am  hit  in  the  foot. 

I  am  hit  in  the  knee. 


Marchez. 

Au  pas. 

Marchez  par  file. 

Marchez  a  deux. 

Qui  est  votre  officier? 

Qui  est  votre  sergent? 

Qui  est  votre  caporal? 

Quel  est  votre  nom? 

Passez-moi  votre  plaque  d'iden- 

tite. 
Ne  bougez  pas  ou  je  tire. 

Portez  cette  mitrailleuse, 

Y  a-t-il  des  blesses? 
Pouvez-vous  marcher? 
Relevez  cet  homme  blesse. 
Avez-vous  faim? 
Avez-vous  soif? 
Laissez  tomber  vos  bombes. 
Quel  est  votre  regiment? 

Je  suis  blesse. 

II  est  s^rieux. 

Une  blessure  16gere, 

Oil  est  le  m^decin? 

Bandages. 

Arreter  le  sang. 

L'ambulance. 

Le  brancard. 

Je  souffre  beaucoup. 

Je  suis  malade. 

Je  suis  bless6  au  poumon. 

Je  suis  bless6  a  I'estomac. 

Je  suis  bless^  a  la  tete, 

Je  suis  bless^  au  bras. 

Je  suis  bless^  au  pied. 

Je  suis  blesse  a  la  jambe. 

Je  suis  blesse  au  genoux. 


Sammy's  **  Pinch**  Dictionary       345 


I  am  cold. 

I  am  too  warm. 

Keep  your  head  down. 

Keep  to  the  right. 

More  to  the  left. 

A  rifle. 

This  is  a  spy. 

Come! 

Keep  silent. 

A  Frenchman. 

An  American. 

A  Belgian. 

A  German. 

An  Austrian. 

A  Russian. 

A  Dutchman.  ' 

A  Scotsman. 

An  Irishman. 


II  fait  froid. 
II  fait  chaud. 
Baissez  la  tete. 
A  droite. 
A  gauche. 
Un  fusil. 
C'est  un  espion. 
Venez ! 
Taisez-vous. 
Un  Frangais. 
Un  Americain. 
Un  Beige. 
Un  AUemand. 
Un  Autrichien. 
Un  Russe. 
Un  HoUandais. 
Un  Ecossais. 
Un  Irlandais. 


ENGLISH 

Who  speaks  English? 
Do  you  understand? 
I  understand. 
I  do  not  understand. 
Please  give  me  a  cigarette. 

Please  give  me  some  tobacco. 

Please  give  me  a  match. 

Halt! 
Surrender! 

Hands  up! 
Drop  your  rifles. 

Lie  down. 
Stand  up. 


GERMAN 

Wer  spricht  Englisch? 

Verstehen  Sie? 

Ich  verstehe. 

Ich  verstehe  nicht. 

Geben  Sie  mir  bitte  eine  Ziga- 

rette. 
Geben  Sie  m-ir  bitte  ein  wenig 

Tabak. 
Geben  Sie  mir  bitte  ein  Streich- 

holz. 
Halt! 
Ubergebt     Euch;     Ubergeben 

Sic  sich! 
H§.nde  hoch ! 
Werfen     Sie     Ihre     Gewehre 

nieder. 
Legen  Sie  sich  nieder. 
Stch  auf. 


346 


First  Call 


No  talking. 

Follow  me. 

Go  straight  ahead,  I  will  follow. 

Follow  the  trench. 

Run. 

Faster. 

Slower.  _ 

Pay  attention.  ^ 

Forward  march. 

Walk. 

March  in  single  file. 

March  by  twos. 

Who  is  your  officer? 

What  is  your  name? 

Give  me  your    identification 

disc. 
If  you  attempt  to  run  away,  I 

will  shoot  you. 
Bring  that  machine-gun  with 

you. 
Are  any  of  you  wounded? 
Can  you  walk? 
Carry  that  wounded  man. 

Are  you  hungry? 
Are  you  thirsty? 
Throw  away  your  bombs. 
To  what  regiment  do  you  be- 
long? 
I  am  wounded. 
I  am  badly  wounded. 
I  am  slightly  wounded. 
Where  is  the  doctor? 
Bandages. 
Please  bandage  me. 
The  ambulance. 
The  stretcher. 
I  am  in  great  pain. 
I  am  ill. 


Ruhe. 

Folgen  Sie  mir. 

Gerade  aus,  ich  folge  Ihnen. 

Gehen  Sie  den  Graben  entlang. 

Laufen  Sie. 

Schneller. 

Langsamer. 

Achtung. 

Vorwarts,  marsch. 

Im  Schritt. 

Im  Ganseschritt. 

Marsch,  zwei  Mann  im  Glied. 

Wer  ist  Ihr  Offizier? 

Was  ist  Ihr  Name? 

Geben    Sie  mir  Ihre    Identifi- 

kationsmarke. 
Wenn    Sie  versuchen    sich  zu 

entfernen,  schiesse  ich. 
Tragen    Sie    das    Maschinen- 

gewehr. 
Wer  unter  Ihnen  ist  verwundet? 
Konnen  Sie  gehen? 
Tragen  Sie  diesen  Verwunde- 

ten. 
Sind  Sie  hungerig? 
Sind  Sie  durstig? 
Werfen  Sie  Ihre  Bomben  weg. 
Von   welchem   Regiment   sind 

Sie? 
Ich  bin  verwundet. 
Ich  bin  schwer  verwundet. 
Ich  bin  leicht  verwundet. 
Wo  ist  der  Arzt? 
Verbande. 

Bitte  verbinden  Sie  mich. 
Die  Ambulanz. 
Die  Bahre. 

Ich  habe  grosse  Schmerzen. 
Ich  bin  krank. 


Sammy's  **  Pinch**  Dictionary       347 


I  am  hit  in  the  lungs. 

I  am  hit  in  the  stomach. 

I  am  hit  in  the  head. 

I  am  hit  in  the  arm. 

I  am  hit  in  the  leg. 

I  am  hit  in  the  foot. 

I  am  hit  in  the  knee. 

I  am  cold. 

I  am  too  warm. 

Keep  your  head  down. 

Move  to  the  right. 

Move  to  the  left. 

A  rifle. 

This  is  a  spy. 

Come. 

Keep  silent. 

A  Frenchman. 

An  American. 

A  Belgian. 

A  German. 

An  Austrian. 

A  Russian. 

A  Dutchman. 

A  Scotsman. 

An  Irishman. 


Ein  Lungenschuss. 
Ein  Magenschuss. 
Ein  Kopfschuss. 
Ein  Armschuss. 
Ein  Beinschuss. 
Ein  Fusschuss. 
Ein  Knieschuss. 
Ich  bin  kalt. 
Ich  bin  zu  heiss. 
Biicken  Sie  sich. 
Rechts  um. 
Links  um. 
Ein  Gewehr. 
Dies  ist  ein  Spion. 
Kommen  Sie. 
Ruhe. 

Ein  Franzose. 
Ein  Amerikaner. 
Ein  Belgier. 
Ein  Deutscher. 
Ein  Oesterreicher. 
Ein  Russe. 
Ein  Hollander. 
Ein  Schotte. 
Ein  Irlander. 


AMERICAN  ARMY  TERMS 

TN  Over  the  Top,  Tommy's  Dictionary  of  the 
Trenches  gave  a  list  of  the  phrases,  some  official 
and  some  slang,  which  I  picked  up  in  service  on 
the  Western  Front;  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 
repeat  them  here,  but  a  similar  list  of  the  expres- 
sions used  in  our  Army,  gathered  during  my 
service  in  the  United  States  Regular  Army,  may 
help  the  new  recruit. 

A 

Adjutant.  An  officer,  usually  a  captain,  with  office  in  head- 
quarters, who  is  in  charge  of  the  detail  work  of  a  regiment; 
the  mouthpiece  of  the  Colonel.  Officers  and  men  must  get 
permission  from  the  Adjutant  before  they  can  speak  to  the 
Colonel.  He  also  mounts  the  guard  and  is  in  command  of 
the  non-commissioned  staff,  Band  and  Headquarters  Com- 
pany. It  is  wise  for  everyone  in  the  regiment  below  the 
rank  of  Colonel  to  keep  on  the  right  side  of  the  Adjutant. 

A.  G.  O.     Abbreviation  for  Adjutant-General's  Office. 

Aide-de-Camp.     An  officer  detailed  to  assist  a  General. 

"  All  Night  In."  A  member  of  the  guard  who  does  not  have  to 
walk  post  at  night.  Generally  the  orderly  to  the  C.  O. 
(commanding  officer),  or  a  man  detailed  as  "Prison  guard," 
who  guards  prisoners  during  the  day  and  sleeps  in  quarters 
at  night.  The  trumpeter  of  the  guard  has  "all  night  in" 
but  must  sleep  at  the  guardhouse. 
348 


American  Army  Terms  349 

Allotment.  The  sum  of  money  allotted  by  a  soldier,  from  his 
month's  pay,  to  the  people  at  home.  The  Government  has 
established  a  routine  by  means  of  which  a  soldier  may  sign 
an  agreement  for  the  amount  he  wishes  sent  and  it  is  for- 
warded regularly  each  month  to  the  beneficiary.  The  draft 
man  must  remember  that  even  though  he  is  serving  his 
country,  his  support  has  been  taken  from  the  folks  at  home, 
and  they  also  are  serving  their  country.  It  is  up  to  liim 
to  make  an  allotment  to  liis  mother,  wife,  or  other  depend- 
ents, which  will  financially  tide  them  over  the  time  he  is 
in  Uncle  Sam's  service. 

"  A  month  and  a  month."  Sentenced  to  one  month's  confine- 
ment, and  the  forfeiture  of  one  month's  pay. 

"  Arrest  in  Quarters."  A  soldier  awaiting  trial  for  a  misdemeanor 
which  is  not  serious  enough  to  confine  him  in  the  guard- 
house. He  is  not  allowed  to  leave  quarters  except  for  drill, 
fatigues,  etc. 

Articles  of  War.  Rules  for  the  government  of  the  army.  The 
army  abbreviation  is  A.  W. 

A.  W.  L.     Absent  with  leave. 

A.  W.  O.  L.  Absent  without  leave;  the  above  is  the  more  ad- 
'   visable  way  to  visit  your  "sweetheart." 


B 


Bachelors'  Mess.  Name  generally  applied  to  the  quarters  of 
unmarried  officers. 

"  Bamdook."  Nickname  for  rifle.  Also  used  by  Tommy 
Atkins. 

Battalion.  A  command  in  the  anny  consisting  of  four  companies 
of  infantry,  in  the  American  army  comprising  about  looo 
men. 

Bell  mare.  In  every  pack  train  in  the  army  there  is  a  bell  mare, — 
a  gray  mare  with  a  bell  attached  to  her  halter.  One  of  the 
packers  lead  her,  while  the  pack  train  is  on  the  march,  the 
bell  jingling.  The  mules  are  trained  to  follow  this  sound. 
When  the  train  halts  the  pack  mules  generally  scatter  into 
the  fields  on  the  sides  of  the  road  to  graze.     It  would  be  a 


35«  First  Call 

hard  task  to  round  up  these  mules,  so  instead,  a  packer  leads 
the  bell  mare  down  the  road.  The  mules  immediately  fall 
in  behind  the  mare  and  the  march  is  resumed. 

"  Biscuit  shooter."  Slang  term  for  a  female  servant  or  officer's 
cook.     Old-time  western  expression. 

"  Black  draught."     Jollop. 

"  Black  Jack."  A  strong  physic.  Generally  jollop.  Coffee  is 
also  called  "Black  Jack." 

Blanco.  A  whitening  for  belts.  Used  several  years  ago  when 
white  belts  were  issued. 

"  Bobtailed."  Dishonorably  discharged  or  discharged  without 
honor. 

"  Bootleg."     Nickname  for  coffee. 

"  Bought  another  star."  Term  for  being  fined  by  court-martial. 
When  a  small  fine  is  inflicted  it  is  said  that  the  man  has 
bought  another  star  for  the  flag.  If  a  heavy  fine,  it  is 
"bought  another  flag. " 

Brigade.  A  command  of  the  army  consisting  of  four  regiments, 
including  units  of  each  corps. 

"  Bucking  for  Orderly."  Cleaning  up  so  that  you  will  be  the 
cleanest  man  at  guard  mounting.  The  cleanest  man  is 
picked  by  the  adjutant  to  be  orderly  to  the  commanding 
officer  for  that  special  twenty-four  hour  tour  of  the  guard. 

"  Bunkie."  Term  given  the  soldier  who  sleeps  next  you  in 
barracks  or  camp;  more  often  used  in  an  endearing  way, — 
your  friend,  "pal,"  or  chum. 

"  Busted."  American  army  slang  meaning  that  a  non-com- 
missioned officer  has  been  reduced  by  order,  or  court-martial, 
to  the  grade  of  a  private. 

Butts.     The  part  of  a  rifle  range  from  which  targets  are  operated. 

"  Buzzy  cot."  A  field  stove.  Generally  a  grating  resting  on 
stones  or  iron  stakes.  Looks  good  to  Sammy  after  a  twenty- 
mile  hike. 


"  Canned  Willie."     Nickname  for  canned  corned  beef  issued  in 

the  army  ration. 
Canteen.     Water  bottle.     Also  army  store. 


American  Army  Terms  351 

Canteen  checks.  Paper  or  metal  money  which  will  be  honored 
for  merchandise  at  the  army  canteen.  A  soldier,  if  he  is 
not  in  debt  to  the  Government,  is  allowed  a  certain  per- 
centage of  his  pay  in  canteen  checks.  The  usual  allowance 
is  20%.  The  soldier  signs  a  printed  form  in  the  orderly 
room.  These  forms  are  in  denominations  of  one  dollar,  two 
dollars,  three  dollars,  and  five  dollars.  The  form  is  then 
signed  by  the  company  commander.  It  is  presented  at  the 
canteen  by  the  soldier  and  canteen  checks  of  the  amount  on 
the  form  are  issued  to  him.  Gambling  with  canteen  checks 
keeps  many  a  soldier  broke. 

Cantonment.  A  large  site  upon  which  temporary  buildings  are 
erected  for  the  quartering  and  training  of  troops.  Many 
have  been  recently  constructed  for  our  National  Army. 

Challenge.  A  verbal  warning  from  a  sentry  to  a  person  or 
persons  nearing  his  post.  This  warning  takes  the  form  of  the 
question,  "Halt!  Who's  there?"  As  a  rule  a  sentry  does 
not  challenge  until  11  p.m.  or  at  nightfall. 

*'  Challenging  an  orderly."  At  guard  mounting  the  Adjutant 
picks  out  the  cleanest  man  for  orderly  to  the  commanding 
ofl&cer.  If  you  think  you  are  cleaner  and  smarter  you  tell 
the  Adjutant  that  you  challenge  him.  When  the  new  guard 
relieves  the  old,  the  men  strip,  piece  for  piece,  and  are 
closely  inspected,  the  cleanest  winning  out.  Sometimes 
there  is  no  choice  and  a  contest  in  the  manual  of  arms 
and  guard  duty  follows.    The  winner  is  orderly. 

*'  Charge  of  Mess."  A  non-commissioned  officer  detailed  by  the 
company  commander  to  take  charge  of  the  accounts  and 
feeding  of  a  company.  Generally  the  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant. 

"  Charge  of  Quarters."  A  non-commissioned  officer  who  is 
detailed  to  look  after  the  affairs  of  the  company  barracks. 
His  tour  of  duty  lasts  twenty-four  hours.  He  attends  no 
drills,  but  he  must  answer  sick  call,  see  that  the  quarters  are 
clean  for  morning  inspection,  get  the  men  out  in  time  for 
drills,  notify  men  of  any  special  details,  sometimes  mount 
the  guard,  confine  men,  take  check,  etc. 

'•  Chasing  prisoners."  Guarding  prisoners  while  at  labor, — 
soft  for  those  who  like  to  see  other  people  work. 


352  First  Call 

Check.     1 1  P.M.  inspection  to  see  that  all  men  not  on  pass  or 

duty  are  in  their  bunks  or  cots. 
Check  pass.     A  pass  given  to  a  man  which  allows  liim  to  be 

absent  from  the  ii  p.m.  inspection  of  his  outfit,  but  which 

does  not  excuse  him  from  reveille. 
Chino  khaki.     Khaki  made  in  China.      The  finest  grade  ob- 

tainalile. 
C.  O.     General  term  for  Commanding  Officer. 
"  Coffee  cooler."      Slang  used  in  the  army  for  a  soldier  who  is 

always  looking  for  a  soft  job. 
Colors.     The  national,  State,  or  regimental  flag  carried  by  foot 

troops. 
"  Come  and  get  it."     Sammy  never  gets  in  the  guardhouse  for 

disobeying  this  call  (used  by  the  cook  to  announce  that  the 

meal  is  ready  to  be  served). 
Commissioned    officer.     An  officer  in  the  service  of  the  United 

States  whose  commission  is  signed  by   the  President,   or 

Governor  of  a   State;   all  grades  from   second  Heutenant 

up. 
"  Cow."     Slang  for  milk. 
"  Crazy  with  the  heat."     A  common  saying  in  the  tropics  and 

among  troops  who  have  served  there.     Generally  used  in  an 

argument  when  you  wish  to  tell  the  other  fellow  that  he 

does  not  know  what  he  is  talking  about;  same  as  "talking 

through  your  hat." 
Cuff  leggins.      Name  given  to  the  short  canvas  leggins,  which 

replaced  the  old  long  leggin  with  the  strap  passing  under  the 

instep. 


D 


"Detached  Service."     A  man  detailed  on  some  military  duty 

away  from  the  station  of  his  unit. 
"  Dhobie  itch."     A  very  unpopular  skin  disease  contracted  in  the 

Philippine  Islands. 
Diamond  hitch.      A  certain  way  of  tying  a  rope  on  the  aparejo 

when  packing  a  mule.     It  is  a  difficult  knot  and  needs  some 

studying,  just  like  the  animal  on  which  it  is  tied. 


American  Army  Terms  353 

Dining-room  orderly.  A  man  detailed  to  look  after  the  dining- 
room,  set  the  tables,  cut  bread,  and  wait  on  table. 

Discharged  without  honor.  A  soldier  is  discharged  with- 
out honor  for  inaptitude  or  disability  not  incurred 
in  the  line  of  duty.  It  does  not  entail  the  loss  of 
citizenship. 

*'  Dishonorably  Discharged."  A  soldier  who  has  received  a  dis- 
honorable discharge  from  the  Army.  A  dishonorable 
discharge  entails  the  loss  of  your  citizenship.  The  paper  is 
appropriately  yellow  in  color. 

Division.  A  command  of  the  army  consisting  of  three  brigades 
(twelve  regiments). 

"  Dog  robber."  Nickname  for  a  soldier  who  does  menial  work 
for  an  officer. 

Dog  tent.     Nickname  for  shelter  tent. 

Doherty  wagon.  A  four-wheeled  covered  wagon  drawn  by 
from  four  to  six  mules,  used  for  transporting  soldiers  on  duty 
to  and  from  railroad  stations,  or  points  near  a  military  post. 
Also  used  to  convey  the  paymaster  to  and  from  a  railroad 
station.  It  is  more  often  used  by  the  commanding  officer, 
the  officers  and  their  wives,  as  a  means  of  transportation 
to  and  from  the  town  or  city  near  the  post. 

"  Do  it  again."     Slang  for  rcenlisting. 

"  Doughboys."     Nickname  for  the  infantry. 

D.  S.     Army  abbreviation  for  "Detached  Service." 

"  Dust-Disturbers."  Nickname  for  infantry;  see  "Doughboys," 
"  Gravel -Agitators, "  and  "Mud-Crunchers." 


E.  D.     Abbreviation  for  Extra  Duty. 

"  Elsie."  Nickname  given  to  a  fine  inflicted  by  a  Summary 
Court-Martial.  In  using  this  expression  the  soldier  usually 
prefixes  it  with  the  amount  of  the  fine  (a  "$io  Elsie"). 

"  Extra  Duty."     A  soldier  detailed  on  special  work  such  as  the 
duties  of  a  clerk  in  the  Quartermaster's  Department,  post 
carpenter,  etc.     Extra  pay  is  allowed  him  by  the    Govern- 
ment for  this  work. 
23 


354  First  Call 

P 

Fatigue.     Army  term  for  work. 

Field  Officer.     An  officer  of  a  regiment  with  or  above  the  rank  of 

a  IMajor. 
"  First  and  last  chance."     The  nearest  saloon  to  an  army  reser- 
vation.    Going  out  it  is  the  first  chance  to  get  a  drink  and 

coming  in,  the  last. 
"  First  Call."     The  first  trumpet  call  starting  the  new  day.     It 

is  sounded  by  the  trumpeter  of  the  guard  and  is  intended  to 

wake  the  garrison.     (For   other  bugle  calls  see  chapter  on 

same — VIII.) 
First  Duty  Sergeant.     The  ranking  line  sergeant  of  a  company. 
"  First  hitch."     First  enlistment. 
**  For  the  g&od  of  the  service."     A  caption  generally  used  by  a 

commanding  officer  who  issues  an  order  and  cannot  justify 

it  by  any  specific  General  Order  or  regulation.    It  covers  a 

multitude  of  sins. 
"  French  leave."     Absent  without  permission. 
Full  pack.    Heavy  marching  order.   All  equipment. 

X — X — XXX — ;!!    (representing  verbal  whizzbangs  from  the 

old  soldier  when  he  hears  this  order). 
Funeral  escort.     Troops  detailed  on  funeral  duty  in  the  army  to 

show  honor  and  respect  to  the  deceased. 
Furlough.     Permission  to  be  absent  from  miHtary  duties  granted 

to  enlisted  men. 


Garrison  prisoner.  A  soldier  who  has  received  a  sentence 
in  the  guardhouse, — from  one  to  six  months  with  cor- 
responding loss  of  pay,  but  not  entailing  dishonorable 
discharge. 

General  Officer.  A  military  term  used  in  referring  to  an  officer 
holding  a  General's  rank. 

General  Orders.  Standard  orders  issued  by  War  Department, 
governing  the  conduct  of  men  on  guard. 

"  Ghost  walks."     Nickname  for  getting  paid — pay  day. 


American  Army  Terms  355 

"Give  the  wind  a  chance."  An  expression  used  to  "shut  up" 
some  boaster  "blowing"  about  what  he  can  do  or  has  done. 
Very  effective. 

G.  O.     Abbreviation  for  General  Order. 

"Gold  brick."  Term  for  a  soldier  who  beats  the  sick  report,  or 
one'Who  is  on  special  or  extra  duty  and  stands  no  formations 
with  his  troop,  battery,  or  company.  "Gold  bricks"  are 
not  popular  in  the  army. 

"  Gold  lace  candidate."  A  soldier  who  has  passed  the  pre- 
liminary examination  for  a  commission.  He  is  entitled  to  a 
salute  and  fully  realizes  this. 

"  Got  his  buzzard."  Received  his  discharge — suggested  by  the 
eagle  on  the  discharge  papers. 

"  Government  bouquet."  Name  given  to  laundry  soap  issued 
by  the  Government. 

"  Government  straight."  The  rations  issued  to  soldiers  by  the 
Government. 

"  Grabbing  leather."  Cavaliy  term  for  a  man  who  grabs  his 
saddle  to  prevent  himself  from  being  thrown  from  an  unruly 
horse.     More  enjoyable  for  the  spectator  than  the  principal. 

"Gravel-Agitators."  Nickname  for  the  infantry;  see  "Dough- 
boys," "Dust-Disturbers,"  and  "Mud-Crunchers." 

"  Grease."     Slang  for  butter. 

"  Growling."  The  right  of  an  old  soldier,  but  tabooed  for 
recruits.  It  means  grumbling.  ("Grousing"  in  Tommy 
Atkins'  language). 

"  Guardhouse  lawyer."  A  prisoner  in  the  guardhouse  who 
imposes  his  advice  on  you,  telling  how  to  beat  your  coming 
court-martial.    He  never  beats  his  own. 

H 

"  Hand-shaker."  A  soldier  who  waits  on  a  "non-com. "  in  order 
to  curr}'  favor  with  him.  (Synonym  according  to  the  rest 
of  the  company:  worm.) 

"  Hardtack."  Nickname  for  a  very  hard  cracker  issued  in  the 
army  ration. 

"  Hard  tail."     Nickname  for  a  mule. 

"  Hash  marks."     Slang  for  ser\'ice  or  enlistment  stripes  worn 


356  First  Call 

on  the  sleeves  of  the  dress  uniforai  of  a  soldier.  Each  stripe 
represents  one  enlistment  in  the  army.  The  color  of  stripe 
designates  the  branch  of  the  service  in  wliich  he  served. 

Heliograph.  Instrument  used  by  the  Signal  Corps.  It  is 
equipped  with  mirrors  and  shutters.  Signals,  in  a  tele- 
graphic code,  are  flashed  by  the  sun's  rays. 

*'  High  ball."     Army  slang  for  a  salute. 

"  Hike."     A  route  march. 

"  Holy  Joe."     Army  chaplain.     Also  known  as  "  Sky  Pilot. " 

"  Hooks."  Cavalry  nickname  for  spurs;  the  cavalryman  would 
sooner  lose  his  life  than  these  spurs.  He  sleeps  with  'em, 
eats  with  'em,  and  dies  with  'em. 

I 

Identification  disc.  A  round  disc  about  the  size  of  a  half  dollar, 
made  of  red  fiber  or  aluminum,  wliich  is  worn  around  the 
neck.  On  this  disc  is  stenciled  the  man's  name,  number, 
company,  regiment,  and  brigade.  It  is  used  for  identify- 
ing the  man  in  case  he  is  wounded  or  killed. 
"  In  the  mill."  General  term  for  "in  the  guardhouse. " 
"  It  didn't  take  an  Act  of  Congress  to  make  me  a  gentleman." 
A  very  weak  expression  a  disgruntled  soldier  uses  as  soon  as 
he  is  out  of  hearing  of  an  officer  who  has  just  reprimanded 
him.  It  was  derived  from  the  phrase  "an  officer  and  a 
gentleman."  It  takes  an  Act  of  Congress  to  commission 
officers.  When  they  receive  their  commissions  they  are 
officially  gentlemen  according  to  the  army  "sorehead. " 


"  Jawbone."     The  army  term  for  getting  something  on  credit. 
"  Juniper."     "Meat"  for  the  old  soldier, — a  raw  recruit. 

K 

Kitchen  Police.     Men  detailed  by  roster  to  help  the  cook,  wash 

dishes,  wait  on  table  during  meals,  etc. 
"  K.  O."     Army  slang  for  Commanding  Officer,  generally  used 

by  officers. 
"  K.  P."     Kitchen  Police. 


American  Army  Terms  357 


"  Lance  Jack."  Slang  for  Lance  CorporaL  A  non-commis- 
sioned officer  who  wears  one  chevron  on  his  arm. 

Lead.  The  leading  team  on  a  caisson  or  limber  in  the  field 
artillery. 

"  Lean-to."  A  shelter  made  out  of  limbs  of  trees,  covered  with 
branches,  straw,  grass,  and  ponchos. 

Leave  of  absence.  Permission  to  be  absent  from  military  duties, 
granted  to  officers. 

"  Letting  out  religion."  A  term  for  cursing,  swearing,  profanity. 
Generally  used  at  drill,  after  pay  day. 

•'  Lights  Out."  Does  not  mean  Taps,  as  the  public  generally 
tliinks.  It  means  Tattoo;  this  call  is  usually  sounded  at  9 
P.M.  and  means  that  lights  must  be  extinguished  in  squad 
rooms  or  sleeping  quarters.  (For  other  bugle  calls,  see 
chapter  on  same — VIII.) 

Line  officer.  A  commissioned  officer  of  the  army  below  the 
rank  of  Major, — a  Captain,  first  or  second  Lieutenant. 

"Loco."  Another  Spanish  term  for  "crazy."  Generally 
applied  to  horses  or  cattle  affected  by  eating  loco  weed. 

"  Long  Roll,  the."  A  long  roll  on  the  kettledrum  used  before  the 
fife  and  drum  corps  was  aboHshed.     It  was  a  call  to  arms. 

M 

Malingerer.  A  soldier  who  tries  to  beat  the  sick  report  to  escape 
his  duties  as  a  soldier.  He  is  despised  by  all  and  generally 
gets  caught  and  serves  a  long  sentence  at  hard  labor. 

Mess  kit.  Mess  tin,  cover,  knife,  fork,  spoon,  and  tin  cup. 
Generally  means  mess  tin  only. 

Military  convict.  A  soldier  who  has  been  dishonorably  dis- 
charged and  who  is  serving  his  sentence  of  confinement.  On 
his  prison  suit  is  stamped  a  large  "P."  There  are  three 
grades  of  P's — a  white  "P"  meaning  first  class  prisoner, 
a  red  "  P  "  second  class,  while  a  yellow  "  P  "  means  dangerous 
character.  Privileges  are  given  to  prisoners  according  to 
the  length  of  their  unexpired  sentence  and  conduct  class. 

Military  Police.     Soldiers  detailed  to  enforce  regulations,  pre- 


358  First  Call 

serve  order,  protect  military  stores,  telephone,  telegraph,  and 
railway  lines  from  damage.  It  is  also  their  duty  to  arrest 
soldiers  absent  without  leave,  deserters,  etc. 

"  Milk  Squadron  or  Battalion."  The  third  squadron  in  cavalry, 
third  battalion  in  infantry.  Taken  from  the  letters  of  the 
troops  or  companies  comprising  it,  i.  e.,  I.  K.  L.  M. 

"  Mill."     Army  nickname  for  the  guardhouse. 

"  Monkey  drill."     Rough  riding  in  the  cavalry. 

Movinted  pass.  A  three  to  four  hour  pass  granted  to  a  man  in 
the  cavalr}',  generally  on  a  Sunday,  to  take  his  horse  for 
exercise.  He'd  better  not  bring  his  horse  in  in  poor  condition 
or  overheated,  because  the  Stable  Sergeant  is  laying  for 
him  and  the  pet  aversion  of  said  Sergeant  is  a  mounted  pass. 

"  Mud-Crunchers."  Nickname  for  the  infantry, — see  "Dough- 
boys," " Dust- Disturbers, "  and  "Gravel-Agitators,"  all  pet 
nicknames  for  the  foot  soldier. 

"  Mule  skinner."  Wagoner;  depends  on  the  mule  whether  the 
job  is  soft  or  not.  (It  takes  a  von  Bernstorff  to  handle  a 
mule.) 

Muster.  In  the  army  a  regular  monthly  formation  of  an  or- 
ganization at  which  the  men  are  accounted  for  and  all 
equipment  checked  and  inspected. 

N 
"  Non-Com."     Army  term  for  Non-Commissioned  oflScer. 

O 

Officer  of  the  Day.  An  officer  in  the  army  in  direct  command 
of  the  guard,  whose  duty  it  is  to  see  that  the  guard  is  properly 
conducted  and  that  all  orders  of  the  commanding  officer 
for  guard  duty  are  strictly  enforced.  His  tour  of  duty  is, 
twenty-four  hours. 

"  Officers'  papers."  Cigarette  papers  which  you  buy, — not  the 
ones  given  away  with  tobacco. 

Officers'  Row.     The  line  of  officers'  quarters  in  an  Army  Post. 

"  Old  Army  Game."  Gambling  game,  "  Under,  Over  and  Even." 
The  banker  nearly  always  wins.  Only  recruits  buck  this 
game. 


American  Army  Terms  359 

"  Old  Man."  Nickname  for  the  Captain  of  a  company,  also 
used  when  referring  to  the  Colonel. 

"  On  the  mat  or  carpet."  Haled^before  the  Captain  to  answer 
for  some  dereliction  of  duty. 

Orderly  pass.  A  twenty-four  hour  pass  given  to  the  Orderly  by 
the  commanding  ofiEicer,  as  soon  as  his  tour  of  guard  is 
finished.  It  generally  covers  the  period  between  guard 
mounting  and  guard  mounting.  The  pass  is  a  reward  or 
inducement  for  cleanliness  when  mounting  guard.  If  the 
guard  are  not  clean  they  generally  "are  thrown  off  guard," 
with  a  court-martial  or  e.xtra  fatigues  staring  them  in  the 
face. 

Orderly  Room.  The  Captain's  office.  Generally  occupied  by 
the  First  Sergeant  and  troop  or  company  clerk. 

"  Outfit."     Army  term  for  a  regiment. 

"  Outlaw."  A  cavalry  term  for  a  horse  which  is  wicked  and 
unmanageable. 


Paroled  prisoner.  A  garrison  prisoner  or  military  convict  who 
only  has  a  month  or  two  "  to  do  "  and  who  has  been  given  his 
parole  on  account  of  good  conduct.  He  works  around  the 
post,  generally  for  the  commanding  officer,  without  the  honor 
of  a  sentry's  escort. 

Piece.  Common  name  for  rifle.  Tliis  term  is  generally  used  at 
driU. 

Police  (as  verb).  A  term  used  in  the  army,  meaning  to  clean 
up,  put  in  order. 

"  Politician."  Nickname  for  a  soldier  who  has  a  soft  detail  or 
job  which  excuses  him  from  all  calls. 

Pontoon  bridge.  Temporary  bridge  across  a  river  or  stream 
constructed  by  the  Engineer  Corps,  consisting  of  timbers 
and  planks  placed  across  boats  or  pontoons. 

Post  exchange.  A  military  store  under  direct  supervision  of  the 
Government  established  at  an  army  post  or  camp  for  the 
sale  of  refreshments  and  articles  required  by  soldiers.  At 
these  exchanges  soldiers  can  buy  articles  almost  at  cost 
price. 


36o  First  Call 

Prison  Guard.  Men  detailed  for  a  period  of  ten  days  to  guard 
prisoners  in  the  daytime  while  out  working.  These  men  are 
excused  from  all  drills,  fatigues,  and  inspections  while  on  this 
detail. 

"  Pronto."  Often  used  by  troops  who  have  served  in  Cuba, 
the  Philippines,  or  on  the  Mexican  Border.  It  is  Spanish  for 
"hurry,"  "get  a  move  on,"  "quickly,"  "in  a  short  while." 
(Word  often  used  but  rarely  practiced  in  said  countries.) 

Provost  Sergeant.  A  sergeant  detailed  on  extra  or  special  duty 
to  look  after  prisoners  and  the  general  enforcing  of  special 
and  standing  regulations  of  military  posts  and  camps. 

Pull-through.  A  stout  piece  of  cord  on  one  end  of  which  is 
attached  a  weight;  on  the  other  is  a  loop  through  which  you 
insert  an  oily  rag.  You  drop  the  weighted  end  into  the  bore 
of  the  rifle  at  the  breech;  this  pulls  the  cord  through;  the 
weighted  end  is  then  pulled  and  the  oily  rag  drawn  through 
the  bore.     This  process  effectively  cleans  it. 

"  Pulling  his  belt."  Confining  a  sentry  for  some  breach  of  the 
Guard  Manual. 

"  Pump  handle."     Slang  term  for  saluting. 

"  Punk."     Slang  for  bread. 

"  Pup  tent."     Nickname  for  a  shelter  tent. 

"  Push  and  pull."     Slang  for  "sighting  and  aiming"  drill. 


Q.  M.     General  army  abbreviation  for  Quartermaster. 

R 

"  Racker."     Hard  trotting  horse. 

*'  Rat  tail."     Army  slang  for  mule. 

*'  Rear."     Toilet,  latrine. 

Regiment.  A  command  of  the  army  consisting  of  three  battal- 
ions of  infantry  or  three  squadrons  of  cavalry.  Each  battaUon 
or  squadron  consists  of  four  companies  or  troops,  each  com- 
pany or  troop  being  designated  by  a  letter  namely,  "A," 
"B,"  "C,"  "D,"  "E,"  "F,"  "G,"  "H,"  "I,"  "K,"  "L," 
"M." 

"  Re-up."     Slang  for  rcenlisting. 


American  Army  Terms  361 

Review.  A  formation  of  the  army  held  in  honor  of  some  high 
individual.     The  troops  pass  before  him  while  marching. 

*'  Rise  and  shine."     Means  turn  out  of  your  bunks,  get  up. 

R.  O.     Abbre\'iation  for  Regimental  Order. 

*'  Roman  nose."  A  horse  with  a  Roman  nose,  looks  like  a 
Shy  lock. 

"  Rookie."     A  recruit. 

Route  march.  A  practice  march  for  troops  designed  to  keep 
them  in  condition. 


"  Sand  rat."  Nickname  for  a  man  detailed  in  the  butts  during 
target  practice  on  the  rifle  range. 

S.  C.  M.     Abbreviation  for  Summary  Court-Martial. 

Scout.  A  specially  trained  man  detailed  in  the  army  to  gain 
information  from  the  enemy  without  being  seen  by  the 
enemy. 

S.  D.     Abbreviation  for  Special  Duty. 

"  Seconds."  Nickname  for  an  e.xtra  helping  of  food.  Uni- 
versally used. 

"  Shad  belly."  A  horse  whose  belly  sharply  tapers  toward  the 
rear  thereby  causing  the  saddle  and  cinch  to  slide  back. 
This  may  be  prevented  by  the  use  of  a  martingale  and  breast 
straps.  When  none  are  at  hand  take  the  halter  shank,  pass 
it  between  the  forelegs,  and  tie  around  cinch. 

"  Shave-tail."  American  army  slang  for  an  officer  who  has 
just  been  graduated  from  West  Point  (not  used  when  he  is  in 
earshot). 

"  Shoestring  CorporaJ."  A  lance  corporal.  He  wears  one  stripe 
on  his  arm. 

Sick  in  Quarters.  What  the  doctor  marks  on  the  sick  report 
when  a  man  is  too  sick  to  perform  his  duties,  but  is  not  sick 
enough  to  enter  the  hospital.  He  is  supposed  to  stay  in 
quarters  and  only  answer  sick  call. 

"  Single-footer."  A  horse  which  strikes  the  ground  with  its 
feet  one  after  the  other.  A  very  easy  gait.  vSinglc-footcrs 
are  generally  issued  to  trumpeters  or  buglers. 

"  Sinks."     Toilets,  latrines,  rears. 


362  First  Call 

"  Six  for  five."     Means  borrowing  five  dollars  and  paying  six  for 

it  on  pay  day.     This  is  a  common  practice  in  the  army. 

There  are  generally  two  or  three  Shylocks  in  each  company. 

They  have  to  lie  low  as  this  usurious  practice  is  against 

regulations  and  the  officers  are  hot  on  their  trail.    These  men 

when  discharged  generally  have  several  thousand  dollars 

saved  up. 
"  Six-sixty."     Six  months  in  the  guardhouse  and  a  fine  of  $60. 
"  Sixty-Second,  the."     The  Sixty-Second  Article  of  War,  the 

blanket  article  which  covers  all  points  not  included  in  the 

other  articles;  also  nickname  for  hash,  wliich  is  supposed  to 

contain  everything. 
"  Skee."     A  common  nickname  for  whiskey  or  "booze." 
"  Sky  pilot."     Army  chaplain;  see  "Holy  Joe." 
Slacker.     A  parasite  on  the  Star  Spangled  Banner. 
Slicker.     Rubber  or  oilskin  coat,  issued  to  mounted  troops. 
"  Slum."     Nickname  for  army  stew. 
"  Slum,  full  pack."     Stew  with  a  dough  crust  baked  over  it,  like 

a  beefsteak  pie. 
"  Smoke  wagons."     Nickname  for  the  guns  of  the  field  artillery. 
S.  O.     Abbreviation  for  Special  Order. 
"  Sow  belly."     Army  slang  for  bacon. 
"  Special  Duty."     A  soldier  detailed  by  order,  on  some  special 

work,  such  as  company  clerk,  clerk  in    headquarters,  etc. 

He  is  generally  excused  from  all  calls. 
Special  orders.     Orders  issued  by  the  commanding  officer  of  a 

company  or  post,  instructing  sentries  as  to  their  conduct  and 

maintenance  of  order  on  certain  specified  posts  of  the  guard. 
Squadron.     A  command  of  the  army  consisting  of  four  troops  of 

cavalry. 
Stable  Police.     A  man  detailed  to  help  clean  the  stables,  and 

feed  and  water  the  stock,  etc. 
Staff  Officer.     An  officer  who  is  doing  duty  on  a  General's  staff, 

or  in  one  of  the  Departments  at  Washington.    A  post  very 

much  coveted  by  officers. 
Standards.     The  national.  State,  or  regimental  flags  carried  by 

mounted  organizations  of  the  army. 
"  Straight  Duty."     A  soldier  who  stands  all  calls,  formations,  and 

drills  of  his  unit. 


American  Army  Terms  363 

Striker.     Official  designation  for  a  soldier  who  is  an  officer's 

servant.     But    the  other  soldiers   call  him    "dog    robber" 

(the  reason  is  obvious). 
Stripped  Saddle.     Term  in  the  cavalry  which  means  that  nothing 

will  be  carried  on  the  saddle  for  drill,  except  possibly  the 

sword  and  rifle  scabbard. 
Summary  Court.     An  officer  specially  designated  or  detailed  by 

the  commanding  officer  of  an  organization  to  try  and  to 

punish  men  for  minor  breaches  of  discipline. 
*'  Sunfisher."     A  horse  which  has  a  peculiar  turning  movement 

when  bucking.     A  voyage  on  a  "sunfisher"  is  stormy. 
"  Sway-back."     A  horse  with  a  trench  where  his  back  ought  to  be, 

because  his  backbone  sags  in  the  middle. 


"  Tailor  made."     Cigarettes  bought  ready  made. 

"  Tell  it  to  the  marines."  An  old  army  phrase  used  when  a  man 
is  trying  to  get  away  with  a  fishy  statement.  The  marine  is 
half  soldier  and  half  sailor.  He  generally  receives  his  pre- 
liminary training  on  land,  after  that  on  a  ship.  Upon  arriv- 
ing on  board  the  sailors  tell  him  many  impossible  tales  and 
he  is  supposed  to  believe  them. 

*'  Three-and-a-kick."  Three  months  in  the  guardhouse  and  a 
discharge  from  the  army  without  honor.  Generally  given 
for  repeated  minor  offenses. 

**  Three-thirty."  Term  for  sentence  of  S.  C.  M., — means  three 
months  in  guardhouse  and  thirty  dollars'  fine. 

"  Thrown  off  Guard."  A  soldier  who  at  guard  mounting  has 
been  rejected  by  the  Adjutant  because  of  dirty  equipment. 
He  is  generally  court-martialed  or  given  extra  fatigue.  The 
supernumerary  takes  his  place.  The  offender  has  to  mount 
guard  the  next  day. 

"  Top  Cutter,"     Slang  for  First  Sergeant. 

*'  Top  Sergeant."     Slang  for  First  Sergeant. 

•'  Top  Soldier."     Slang  for  First  Sergeant. 

Troop  or  Company  clerk.  A  soldier,  generally  a  "non-com.," 
— although  the  regulations  call  for  a  private, — who  helps  the 
First  Sergeant  with  the  clerical  work  of  the  organization. 


364  First  Call 

*'  Two  and  a  butt."  A  term  used  when  the  enlistment  period  was 
three  years.  When  a  soldier  is  asked  how  long  he  has  to  do 
in  the  army  he  generally  replies,  "Two  and  a  butt,"  "One 
and  a  butt,"  or  "Just  a  butt"  as  the  case  may  be.  "Two 
and  a  butt"  means  two  years  and  a  fraction  of  a  year; 
"One  and  a  butt,"  a  year  and  a  fraction;  "Just  a  butt," 
a  few  months. 

"  Two-twenty."  Sentenced  by  S.  C.  M.  to  two  months'  con- 
finement and  fine  of  twenty  dollars. 

"  Typewriter."     The  army  nickname  for  a  lawnmower. 


Venereal  List.  A  list  of  names  of  men  suffering  from  ■venereal 
diseases.  These  men  are  not  allowed  to  visit  town  until 
they  are  cured  or  until  the  doctor  strikes  their  names  from 
the  list. 

W 

Wagon  master.  A  civilian  in  the  pay  of  the  Government  who 
is  in  charge  of  a  regimental  wagon  train.  The  men  under 
him  are  also  civilians. 

"  Wagon  Soldiers."     Nickname  for  the  field  artillery. 

"  Walking  Post."     A  sentry  guarding  his  post. 

War  bridle.  A  bridle  of  rope  used  on  horses  which  have  a  habit 
of  bolting.  The  rope,  in  a  half  hitch,  goes  around  the  lower 
jaw,  and  is  very  effective  for  when  the  horse  pulls  against  it 
he  hurts  himself  and  soon  gives  in.  Would  be  good  on  a 
pacifist's  jaw  these  days. 

"  W.  D."     Abbreviation  for  War  Department. 

Wheel  team.  Team  of  horses  hitched  nearest  the  artillery  limber 
or  caisson. 

"  White  lightning."     Corn  whiskey.     (See  Guardhouse!) 

Wig-wag.     To  signal  with  flags. 

"  Windjammer."     Army  slang  for  trumpeter  or  bugler. 

"  Working  his  ticket."  A  man  who  feigns  stupidity  or  insanity, 
or  one  who  constantly  gets  in  the  guardhouse  for  repeated 
minor  offenses,  in  order  to  be  discharged  from  the  army  under 
the  caption  "for  the  good  of  the  service." 


American  Army  Terms  365 


"  Yellow  ticket."  Dishonorable  discharge.  The  paper  is  yellow 
in  color. 

"  You'll  find  it  on  the  pay  roll."  An  expression  used  to  a  soldier 
when  he  tells  of  losing  a  part  of  his  equipment.  It  means  that 
the  cost  of  the  article  will  be  entered  against  him  on  the  next 
monthly  pay  roll  and  will  be  deducted  from  his  pay. 


THE  INTERNATIONAL  MORSE  OR  GENERAL 
SERVICE  CODE 

The  International  Morse  Code  is  the  General  Ser- 
vice Code  and  is  prescribed  for  use  by  the  Army  of 
the  United  States  and  between  the  Army  and  the 
Navy  of  the  United  States.  It  will  be  used  on  radio 
systems,  submarine  cables  using  siphon  recorders, 
and  with  the  heliograph,  flash-lantern,  and  all  visual 
signaling  apparatus  using  the  wig-wag. 

Alphabet. 

A  •  —  N—  • 

B— •  •  •  0 

C P 

D Q 

E  •  R 

F- S  ■  •  • 

G T  — 

H •  .  •  .  U-     — 

I  .  .  V-  •     — 

J W 

K X—-     — 

L •  Y 

M Z • 

366 


General  Service  Code  367 

Numerals. 


I 6 

2- 7 

3 8 

4  ....  _  9 

5 o 

Punctuation. 


Period • . 

Comma 

Interrogation 

Hyphen  or  dash 

Parentheses  (before  and  after  the 
words) 

Quotation  mark  (beginning  and 
ending) 

Exclamation 

Apostrophe 

Semicolon 

Colon 

Bar  indicating  fraction 

Underline  (before  and  after  the  word 
or  words  it  is  wished  to  underline) . 

Double  dash  (between  preamble  and 
address,  between  address  and  body 
of  message,  between  body  of  mes- 
sage and  signature,  and  imme- 
diately before  a  fraction) 

Cross 


^68 


First  Call 


ERROR 


B 


6 


<► 


B 


H 


8 


/VECfii^A-T/VE 


K 


PPEPARATORY. 


M 


a 


ANNULLING 


Wi^ 


N 


O 


SEMAPHORE  CODE,   U.   S.   ARMY 


General  Service  Code 


369 


^S 


T         ^^ 


V 


w 


r 


//VTCPVAL 


AJTENTION 


.•"•■X'>      «       •>!<• 


SEMAPHORi:    CODE,    V.    S.    ARMY 


IT  IS  THE  REJIL  STUFF 

OVER  THE  TOP 

BY  AN  AMERICAN  SOLDIER  WHO  WENT 

ARTHUR  GUY  EMPEY 

MACHINE  GUNNER.  SERVING  IN  FRANCE 


JtUTHOR    OF 

"FIRST   CALL" 

For  a  year  and  a  half,  until  he 
fell  wounded  in  No  Man's  Land,  this 
American  soldier  saw  more  actual 
fighting  and  real  warfare  than  any  war 
correspondent  who  has  written  about 
the  war.  His  experiences  are  grim, 
but  they  are  thrilling  and  lightened  by 
a  touch  of  humor  as  original  as  the 
Soldiers   Three.     And    they  are  true. 

12°,     16  Illustrations  and  Diagrams,     $1,50  xxt. 
By  mail.   51.60 

TOGETHER  WITH  TOMMY'S  DICTIONARY  OF  THE 
TRENCHES 

"Over  The  Top  with  the  Best  of 

Luck  and  due  Them  Hell!" 

The  British  Soldier's   War  Cry,  as  he  goes  over  the 
top  of  the  trench  to  the  charge 


^    %^   ^oi 


"A   War    Lord   of    Laughter."— T/ie 

Literary  Digest 

Fragments   from 
France 

Author  of 

Sullet?  ^  Sillels 


SJJ5 

Captain  Bruce  Bairnsfather's  sketches  set  all  England 
chuckling,  when  they  first  appeared  in  the  Bystander,  and 
they  have  met  with  as  hearty  a  welcome  by  Americans 
who  have  had  the  luck  to  see  them.  Greatest  of  all  com- 
mendation, German  prisoners  have  been  known  to  be- 
come hilarious  over  these  indescribable  pictures  of  life  in 
the  trenches,  and  war-fed  "Tommys"  roar  over  them. 
Now,  with  their  amusing  captions,  they  have  been 
gathered  into  one  volume. 

These  pictures  have  won  in  England  for  the  author  tbe 
title  "  The  man  who  made  the  Empire  laugh,"  and  caused 
the  Literary  Digest  to  refer  to  him  as  "  A  War  Lord  of 
Laughter."  They  are  all  war  pictures,  but  calculated  to 
take  a  deal  of  the  bitterness  out  of  war. 


Bullets  &  Billets 

By 

Bruce  Bairnsfather 

Author  of  "  Fragments  from  France " 

12°.   16  FuU^page  and  23  Text  Illustrations.   $1.50 
By  mail,  $1.60 

'•*Bill,'  'Bert,' and 'Alf  have  turned 
up  again.  Captain  Bairnsfather  has 
written  a  book — a  rollicking  and  yet 
serious  book — about  himself  and  them, 
describing  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  his 
first  six  months  in  the  trenches.  His 
writing  is  Hke  his  drawing.  It  suggests 
a  mascuhne,  reckless,  devil-may-care 
character  and  a  workmanlike  soldier. 
Throughout  the  book  he  is  as  cheerful 
as  a  schoolboy  in  a  disagreeable  football 
match. "^ — London  Evening  News, 

G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons 

New  York  London 


Ordeal  by  Fire 

By 

Marcel  Berger 

A  Sergeant  in  the  French  Army 
12*.     540  pages.     $1.50.     By  mail  $1.60 

The  French  "Mr.  Briding" 

Everyone  who  has  read  "Mr. 
Britling  Sees  It  Through"  will 
want  to  read  **  Ordeal  by  Fire." 

An  inspiring  portrayal  of  the 
spirit  of  the  French  people  and 
of  Fighting  France. 

G.  P.  Putnam's  Sons 
New  York  London 


THE  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 

Santa  Barbara 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW. 


Series  9482 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


A  A      000  292  169   o 


